When the enemy tries to stir you up against them, pray for those in authority.
“”We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in that name. But look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying to make us responsible for this man’s death.”
Peter and the other apostles answered,
“We must obey God, not human authority!
You killed Jesus by hanging him on a cross. But God, the God of our ancestors, raised Jesus up from the dead! Jesus is the One whom God raised to be on his right side, as Leader and Savior.
Through him, all people could change their hearts and lives and have their sins forgiven.
We saw all these things happen.
The Holy Spirit, whom God has given to all who obey him, also proves these things are true.”” – Acts 5:28-32
“All of you must yield to the government rulers. No one rules unless God has given him the power to rule, and no one rules now without that power from God. So those who are against the government are really against what God has commanded. And they will bring punishment on themselves. Those who do right do not have to fear the rulers; only those who do wrong fear them. Do you want to be unafraid of the rulers? Then do what is right, and they will praise you.” – Romans 8:1-3
This is not a contradiction.
“First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him. Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to know the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Our ‘rulers’ need prayer right now, more than ever. As long as the Holy Spirit is still here (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8), we are Bible bound to pray for those in authority roles.
King Nebuchadnezzar revelled in his majesty and glory thinking it was his power that had built the kingdom.
“”I have built this great Babylon as my royal home. I built it by my power to show my glory and my majesty.”
The words were still in his mouth when a voice from heaven said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, these things will happen to you: Your royal power has been taken away from you. You will be forced away from people. You will live with the wild animals and will be fed grass like an ox. Seven years will pass before you learn this lesson: The Most High God rules over every kingdom on earth and gives those kingdoms to anyone he chooses.”” – Daniel 4:30-32
“At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and I could think normally again! Then I gave praise to the Most High God; I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever. God’s rule is forever,
and his kingdom continues for all time.” – v. 34
If God can affect a Nebuchadnezzar, He can affect our authorities in ways that make an eternal difference.
Imagine for just a moment that one of our current world leaders went public and told the world they had just asked Jesus to come into their hearts.
Worth a moment of prayer for them?
