Yesterday we witnessed one of the marvels of the American republic. Although they differ on almost every issue of importance, President Bush and President-Elect Obama met to discuss the orderly, peaceful transfer of power on January 20. It is one of the blessings the Lord has given us, to hand off authority without bloodshed.
Many evangelical Christians are wary of the president-elect. Some of his vocal supporters pushed an agenda of unrighteousness, and the positions Mr. Obama took during the campaign seemed to mirror that agenda.
I don’t want to minimize the apparent differences we have with his stated opinions on issues of life and righteousness. We need to be vigilant. Yet we must also be mindful that God is still on the throne, and His Word says that the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, and that He turns it (the king’s heart) wherever He wills. (Proverbs 21:1).
We also must be mindful of this admonition: “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.” (Acts 23:5 NKJV). In that passage, the Apostle Paul had just spoken some strong words to Ananias, not knowing he was the high priest. The words of Exodus 22:28 leapt to Paul’s lips, just as they should to ours.
Let’s also remember this. During the years of his ministry, the Apostle Paul was living under the ungodly pagan authority of the Roman empire. Wickedness in Roman society and among Roman leaders was no less prevalent than it is today. Yet the Apostle Paul wrote this to the church at Rome, the seat of the empire’s authority:
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (Romans 13:1 NKJV).
We have marching orders straight from the Word of God:
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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV).
Let us pray that the Lord turn the president-elect’s heart to rule righteously in the fear of the Lord. Let us pray that he selects godly counselors. Let us pray that the Lord give the president-elect and his advisors the wisdom of God. Let us pray that the Lord give this nation and the church peace, quiet, and prosperity, and that we may live godly and honestly without interference from our government. Let us pray that in the next four years a revival of the gospel sweep this nation, and that many people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
At all times – first of all – let us pray! And when we pray, let’s pray in faith, not doubting, but believing we receive. Pray!