Rev. Don Campbell
2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalm 20
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, May 11, 2019
“PRAYING FOR LEADERS”
The historical accounts in today’s readings are about more of David’s victories as commander in chief of Israel. It is in Psalm 20 that we find the timeless lessons to learn from these victories: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O Lord, save the king! May he answer us when we call” (vv.7-9).
It is certainly right for us to pray for those who rule but praying for them is not the same as attempting to anoint them in the name of God. David was anointed, but it was God who anointed him (1 Samuel 16:12-13; 2 Samuel 12:7-15). The last king to be anointed by God was Jesus Christ himself. His scepter is not that of military might or political power but the scepter of uprightness (Hebrews 1:1-13).
Psalm 20 reveals that God’s people are to be a praying people (vv.1-5). Paul tells us, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Psalm 82 gives us a pattern for praying for rulers: Psalm 82 is not part of today’s scheduled reading, but it is well worth the time and effort to read it today: God is holding court and says, “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (vv.2-4).
Let’s make America great!
CONNECTIONS
1. Have you prayed for the nation and its leaders today? Did you pray a godly prayer or a partisan prayer?
2. Beyond prayer, to what extent can a Christian be involved in politics and government—in other words, at what point must we obey God’s command “to come out lest we take part in sin” (Revelation 18:4)?
