1 Timothy 2:1-4 is a very familiar passage to most believers who have been taught the Word of God.
1 First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, 2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. 3 For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, 4 Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.
So many times when this Scripture is used the emphasis is placed on praying for leaders as having the utmost priority. This is NOT accurate! The very first verse says that FIRST of all, prayers should be made for ALL 'men', meaning all mankind. Why would we do that first? Because the One, True, God of the Bible desires that NONE should perish! HE desires that every person would receive the free Gift of eternal Salvation through Jesus Christ (Verses 3-4 above and 2 Peter 3:9)! Let's look at this from the Complete Jewish Bible 1 Timothy 2:1-5:
1 First of all, then, I counsel that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all human beings, 2 including kings and all in positions of prominence; so that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives, being godly and upright in everything. 3 This is what God, our Deliverer, regards as good; this is what meets his approval. 4 He wants all humanity to be delivered and come to full knowledge of the truth. CJB
I truly believe that if WE put God's #1 priority as our own, which is seeking and saving the lost, then HE will see to it that we have the leaders that we need in order to have the freedom to carry out this great mission! It is our responsibility to speak up for godly principles, but unless we are actively and powerfully sharing the Gospel, there is no hope of having Godly leaders! When Israel became so concerned about having a king like all of the other nations, instead of allowing the Lord their GOD to continue to be their 'Master and Commander', God gave them exactly what THEY desired: a worldly king that stood tall and looked 'kingly'! He was the WRONG choice! When YOU head to the voting booth in YOUR next election, take your responsibility seriously to listen to Holy Spirit and vote as HE leads you! He will NOT lead you wrong! Then you can confidently cast ALL of your care on the Lord, no matter WHO is in office, and fully expect HIS Word to be confirmed and shown off in your life! YOU will be a living testimony of the GREATNESS of our God! HALLELUJAH! Here is Hillsong with a song by that very name: "The Greatness of Our God":
Shalom in Him!
