Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 1 Pet. 2:13-17
Heavenly Father, it is Presidents’ Day in our nation—a perfect day for praying these words from the apostle Peter. But as this day begins I stand convicted of how little I’ve interceded for our past presidents and how very little I pray with joy for our sitting president. Forgive me, and by the power of the gospel, please give me a better attitude.
I confess, I’ve been more of a cynic than your servant with respect to supporting our government. I haven’t been living with the confidence that you set up and sit down kings, presidents, premiers, and governors at your bidding. I’ve assumed the posture of a political arm-chair quarterback; a drive-by-shooting critic; an eyes-rolling naysayer rather than a faithful prayer. I’ve gossiped more than I’ve gospeled.
In many ways, I’m one of the “foolish men” Peter wrote about in this passage—someone whose “ignorant talk” should be silenced by the gospel. Show me what “doing good” looks like as a dual citizen of the United States and the kingdom of God. Show me how to use my freedom wisely and how I’m to show proper respect to everyone, including our president. You’re not calling me to be passive, but neither are you calling me to be a pessimist of pest. It’s not who’s sitting in the white house, but Who’s sitting on the throne in heaven that really makes the difference.
Father, I’m convicted and humbled to realize that when Peter wrote this letter, the megalomaniac Nero was the sitting “president” in Rome. It’s obvious that Peter lived with more faith in the King of kings than fear of the madman of madmen. Help me to do the same, Father, help me to do the same. You’ve already installed your Son as king, and his kingdom has come and his kingdom is coming in fullness. A very big Hallelujah to that!
Lord Jesus, yours is only everlasting kingdom, and you are the only King worthy of our unqualified submission and obedience. You are the ruler of the kings of the earth; and you open doors no one can shut and you shut doors no one can open. No one can stay your hand or thwart your purposes. I honor you as my King. I worship you as my Savior. I love you as my Bridegroom. No other king would die to make rebels his beloved. So very Amen I pray, in your glorious name—the name above all names.
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