Articles
Pray for the Nation
Many are disturbed and shocked by the recent Presidential debate. Many faced the reality of the choice between these two men. It was the first time they realized how far the nation had fallen. Where are the wise men who sought this office in the past? It is as though everyone woke up from a long sleep only to realize the dystopian nightmare was not a dream. When David realized how wicked Israel had become, he asked, “If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3 NKJV)
Christians are citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Paul wrote, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20 NKJV). Peter said that as citizens of heaven, we are in exile in whatever country we dwell in while on earth. Christians were exiles in the Roman world. “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.” (1 Pet. 1:17-19 NKJV) Peter and the other apostles emphasized the need for exemplary behavior in a fallen and evil empire. In the same letter, Peter said, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1 Pet. 2:11-12 NKJV). Peter exhorts believers not to adopt the behavior of their host country but to act honorably to glorify God. Christians should not be revolutionaries or political zealots but obey Nero's corrupt Roman government. Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” (1 Pet. 2:13-17 NKJV). Paul and Peter taught Christians to live exemplary lives in the world without becoming a part of it.
It is natural to be concerned for the place we live. The decisions our political leaders make affect our lives, making them easy or hard. When Judah was sent into Babylonian exile, God sent a letter to them through the prophet Jeremiah. How did God want them to spend their time in exile?
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” (Jer. 29:4-7 NKJV)
How does God want us to spend our time in exile? “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:1-4 NKJV)
Brothers and sisters, be concerned about the nation's affairs where we are exiled, and in that concern, do as God commands and pray for the nation.
