Righteous Leaders, Joyful People
Memorize: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. – Proverbs 29:2
Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (KJV)
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
MESSAGE:
If children of God would carefully study the Bible and obey its commands, the world would be a much better place. God would consistently reveal His mind to them and expressly answer their prayers. By the grace of the Almighty, anyone conversant with the history and development of the Redeemed Christian Church of God will agree without any doubt that God has constantly revealed His mind to guide us in this Church. May His name be praised forevermore in the mighty name of Jesus.
One clear spiritual principle God revealed to His people is that supplication, prayer and intercession be made for leaders and people in authority at all levels. Unfortunately, many of us do not know the importance of praying for our leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says:
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Foremost, we are to seek God’s face to give us righteous leaders. Samuel would have erroneously anointed Eliab if not for God’s guidance. Thank God he listened and obeyed (1 Samuel 16:6-7). Who knows what would have befallen Israel if Eliab or any of David’s other brothers had been crowned king?
Secondly, prayer helps leaders to provide good governance, resulting in a quiet, peaceable, and prosperous life for the people. Leaders are targets of wicked physical and spiritual attacks for the simple reason that any defeat suffered by a leader will have a ripple effect on the whole community (Zechariah 13:7).
The devil always makes use of this method in his warfare against nations. That was the case in 1 Chronicles 21:1: “And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.” This error led to the death of several thousand people in 1 Chronicles 21:14.
Let us specifically ask God to give us righteous leaders. Righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34) and this should start from the people in authority.
As we intensify prayers for our leaders today, our joy shall indeed be full and our nation shall be exalted in the Mighty Name of Jesus.
Friday Prayer Point:
Pray for your leaders more than ever before and ask for grace to do this regularly.
Bible in One Year: Psalms 119:1-88