Thursday, October 17

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. (1 Timothy 2:1-6)

Have you ever received good news?  How did you react?  Did you unwittingly keep it to yourself?  Or did your smile immediately give away your joy?  How many times were you willing to recount the back story?

Just as with other forms of good news, we have the privilege of receiving and sharing the Gospel message.  It centers on the good news that God has given us the opportunity to receive eternal life through the ransom paid by Jesus Christ.  While our sin had trapped us and separated us from God, Jesus gave His life so that we might be set free.

Also, Paul emphasizes here that we may pray for anyone, including kings and all those in authority.  Underlying this idea, Paul implies that God's power and authority extends to every person.  We have substantial evidence from the Old Testament Scriptures to confirm these realities.  Reflecting on these statements underscores the confidence we may have in God's concern, from the great and mighty to the lowly and humble.

With whom would you like to share the good news of the Gospel?  For which rulers or authorities could you pray?

Lord God, thank You for showing us Your sovereignty, both in this call to prayer and in the now-revealed mystery of the Gospel.  Give us opportunity to share Your truth with others.  Please direct the hearts of our leaders to seek You and to follow Your Word.  Bring peace in our hearts, in our city, and in our nation.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.