“Now that you have cast your votes, the fun begins in earnest”.

 

It is a good thing that we prayed before the election and even better that we voted but I wonder how many of us, happy or disappointed (about the election results), have continued praying.

 

1 Timothy 2: 1- 4 – “I urge you first of all, then, to offer petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgiving on behalf of all persons, for kings and all those in high places, so that we can lead a quiet and tranquil life of the greatest piety and purity, as is good and proper in the eyes of our savior God, who wants all people to be saved and come to the perception of truth’.

 

This is not about whether the party you voted for won the election or not, it is not about whether you like the man or woman at the helm of government or not, it is about an instruction given to every believer to pray for those in authority – kings, rulers, presidents, chiefs, governments etc. We of the Christian faith are well aware and accept that authority is put in place by God whether good, bad or ugly, its neither here nor there, it is God who puts them in place and that is why we pray for them all. Col.1:16 "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him." From this standpoint, those who rule on earth are permitted to do so by God. They exercise authority which has been entrusted to them. Romans 13:1 says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” We pray for them because we recognize the greatness of their task but also because we know that as we pray, God steps into our situation, directs their thoughts and minds and works it out for our benefit.

"Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right" I Peter 2:13. However I feel the need to point out that , we cannot run away from the fact that submission will not remove the inevitable -  that Christian principles will often cause conflict with the state. In fact, Jesus told his followers, "And you shall even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the gentiles.  If it’s any comfort to you, when the prophets/priests were hauled before rulers and governors, their message was clear, they were on Gods side and they stood their ground and declared that which God had said even if it went against what had been legislated. Therefore, it is in our interest and that of God that we pray. Looking back in history, it was Gods intent that kings, governments and rulers call upon the prophets of the Most High God for direction, guidance and council. The church of God needs to be in tune, in line, in agreement with God at all times in prayer and not compromise itself so that it remains relevant and has answers to the day to day tasks, challenges and battles our leaders face. As ambassadors of Christ, we must represent the One to whom we pledge allegiance.

We are to pray that God would direct affairs by raising up or casting down leaders who would be most beneficial for working out his plan for the development of the Church, and for the establishment of His kingdom. Whether we like or not, our leaders affect the conditions we live in and have an impact on our families, our churches, our workplaces, our cities, and our country. These are the people that make, promulgate and pass laws, bills, legislation that affects our daily lives both negatively and positively, socially, economically and otherwise. You cannot avoid politics. It’s everywhere you turn. It’s everywhere you look, it’s kind of creepy. However, when those in authority are obeying the will of God, we live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  Psalm 76:10 David tells us that God causes man’s unrestrained desires to work to his praise, and that those who hinder or thwart his cause are prevented from working harm. I absolutely love this and it gives me peace of mind that God has my back. The politicians may not know it, but as they go about their duties in parliament making laws, God makes sure it will not harm me in anyway. “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes” Proverbs 21:1 – how  then can I not pray when I know full well that God will ensure that my interests are taken care of even in Parliament and the union buildings, where my eyes cannot see - His can and where my ears and hands cannot reach - His can.

Whether we agree with our leaders or not, whether we like them or not, we are to pray for wisdom and discernment so that they can distinguish truth from error, fact from fiction. As I listened and watched some of the campaigns, I was taken aback by how some were meant to make particular candidates worthy of our vote, whereas others were meant to make some candidates unworthy of our vote. I thought to myself and even discussed it with my pastor that as Christians, this is where we need to be careful - this is where and when we need discernment more than ever. We need to be careful that our political opinions are shaped less by political campaigns and talk shows, and more influenced by God’s will, which he has revealed to us. As ambassadors, we represent Him who sent us - that is why the Brook Christian Church was urged  to prayerfully consider who to vote for. We needed to get a heavenly mandate and I believe most of us did just that.

It pleases God that we pray for our leaders, regardless of who the elected or appointed officials are, we are to pray for them and respect the office they hold. This is what is pleasing to God and it is our heavenly mandate. Praying for our leaders is not a useless ritual - God would not tell us to do something in His Word, unless it was worthwhile. Since God told us to pray for our leaders, it is our responsibility to do just that.

Our prayers are to be made, so that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. We are to pray that our leaders govern well, protecting life and liberty, above all. I am challenged by the prophet Jeremiah in this regard. In Jeremiah 7, Judah was in a terrible state of sinfulness that amongst other evils they would sacrifice their children to foreign gods. As an ambassador who loved Judah and his countryman so much, Jeremiah refused to be silenced or watch as Judah destroyed itself and showing complete disregard for life. Even when God told him to stop praying and allow the destruction to fall on them, he would not stop. Life comes from God and it belongs to God, we need to hold our leaders to that and earnestly pray that God helps them uphold the value of life at all times.

God’s intent is for leaders to create and administer justice, to protect the good and punish evil - without which results in the strong continuously taking advantage of the weak. This according to me is the most important reason why Paul urges us to pray for kings and government and those in authority—that they might not be swayed by Satan and use their position for evil. As the saying goes – Authority/Power/Influence corrupts. We should also pray that they turn to the one and true living God to receive wisdom from above.

 

I followed the American elections with keen interest and watched as leaders of churches urged their congregants to earnestly pray for the elections, one leader made the following statement that has stuck with me since then and I found myself pondering upon it time and time again as South Africa was gearing itself up for the elections. She said;

 

“A senator or state representative can choose at any moment to change his or her party affiliation. He or she can choose to vote one way or another on any given piece of legislation. Each decision made can make a difference in the way our government is run and can also affect our daily lives. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to pray!”

 

Oh how true even in our politics in this part of the world. We need to pray daily that our legislators will make right and godly decisions that will be for our benefit. We should pray that God will guide them as they guide us. We should pray that they be wise and discerning and surrounded by helpful and God fearing advisors. God told the Israelites in exile to pray for Babylon: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). If South Africa prospers, both you and I will prosper too.

Finally brethren, the jury is still out there, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:13-14). This holds true even today, till next time continue soldiering on in prayer.

DISBELIEF OF THE PROMISE FORBIDS THE BENEFT!

National Assembly Seats

ANC	249
DA	89
EFF	25
IFP	10
NFP	6
UDM	4
FF Plus	4
COPE	3
AIC	3
ACDP	3
Agang	2
APC	1
PAC	1

 

 

This is no time to stop praying for those who are in authority over us.