Readings for today: Daniel 4, 2 Peter 1, Psalms 119:97-112, Proverbs 28:17-18
One of the most controversial commands in Scripture is the command to pray for our political leaders. To honor those in power over us. To seek the good of those in authority. The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 2:17 commands us to “honor the emperor.” The Apostle Paul commands us in 1 Timothy 2:2 to “pray for kings and others in power so we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honor God.” Proverbs teaches us that “the king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord, He turns it wherever He will.” And throughout the writings of the New Testament there is this command to be “subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1, Titus 3:1-2).
Too many of us reject these commands. Instead we tear down those rulers and governing authorities. We attack their character. We question their motives. We assume the worst rather than the best. Especially if they belong to another political party. We gleefully share fake news. We willingly embrace false narratives. We delight in calling them out or piling onto every single mistake. The examples are legion from the past several administrations. Both Republicans and Democrats are guilty. As are the Libertarians, Green Party, and Socialists. No one is innocent.
Imagine what would happen if we followed Daniel’s example? If we truly sought the good of those who rule over us? If we truly sought to bless those who in authority? If we truly prayed for those who carry the weight of leadership in our nation? Imagine what would happen if we had the courage to speak truth to power - not out of a desire to tear them down but in an effort to build them up? With the hope of godly conviction? Imagine if instead of attacking those in power or engaging in power politics ourselves, Christians instead served as honest brokers? Serving presidents and politicians with no other goal than to encourage them to lead our nation well? Imagine if we could put aside our own sinful desires for photo ops in the Oval Office, influence in the corridors of power, and coercive control over the laws of our country?
Daniel was given a powerful position within Babylonian society. He had the ear of the king. He was known for his wisdom and godly character. He never sought personal gain. Never used political maneuvering for his own personal benefit. Never sought power or privilege or higher status. His allegiance was to a much higher authority. He lived for God alone and this made his position unassailable. When his political enemies came after him, they found nothing to pin on him. They dug up no dirt. They found no one who would speak against Daniel. Daniel’s deep faith led to true freedom. He was free to speak God’s truth to Nebuchadnezzer. Free to confront him on his pride and arrogance. Free to give him the bad news about the meaning of his dreams. Daniel was free to call Nebuchadnezzer to repent which he eventually did.
“King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation…At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?…Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” (Daniel 4:1-3, 34-35, 37)
Where did Daniel find such freedom? Prayer. He humbly presented himself before the Lord multiple times a day. He came before the Lord with praise. He confessed his sins. He lifted up his needs and the needs of his people. And I am convinced Daniel prayed fervently for the kings he served like Nebuchadnezzer. Sometimes it is tempting to think we have it bad in our country. To think our leaders have reached a level of corruption that places them beyond the grace of God. Nothing could be further from the truth! Nebuchadnezzer was one of the world’s great tyrants. When Peter and Paul talked about honoring and praying for the emperor, they were talking about Nero of Rome. Christians throughout the centuries and throughout the world today suffer under the harshest of regimes and still they pray for their leaders. Can we do any less?
Readings for tomorrow: Daniel 5, 2 Peter 2, Psalms 119:113-128, Proverbs 28:19-20