“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” [1 Timothy 2:1-2]
That verse was my verse of the day recently. It arrived in my inbox on Election Day. I went on to read the full chapter (an interesting one). The following verses after the two above say that “This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” [vs 3-4]
Three thoughts immediately came to mind. First, we have not been praying enough for our “kings and all those who are in authority.” The way our politicians are acting does not lead to anything that could be described as tranquil, quiet, godly, or having any dignity at all. We need to do a better job.
Second, when we pray for our “kings and all those who are in authority” it pleases God our Savior. Paul says, this is a good thing.
Third, our Good God “wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Everyone!
And that is perhaps what I am most thankful for this morning. There is no one outside of God’s love. While He knows that many will reject Him, He still invites everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth. I have the marvelous privilege to not only pray for those “everyones” but to also speak of the marvelous truth and salvation found only in Christ Jesus my Lord to those He puts in my path.
Thank you, LORD, for putting “everyones” in my path. Give me words of wisdom and love. Amen
