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Besides voting, what can we really do to help our government?
Besides voting, what can we really do to help our government?
September 27, 2016
1 Timothy 2:1-4
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.
New International Version (NIV)
               Did you watch the Presidential debate last night?  As I write some eight or nine hours before the debate, I sense the anticipation.  I told Melanie that 100 million people are supposed to watch the debate.  “How will they count,” asked my wife the accountant.  Besides voting, what can we really do to help our government?  What is the goal of good government?
                Paul wrote while the world lived under Roman rule.  Timothy was in Ephesus trying to establish good leaders in the church there.  Paul is urgent about government – he “urges” first of all that all kinds of prayers be made for everyone, including kings and those in authority.  Do you pray for our President?  Are you praying for the future one or are you fretting?  The first time I met Mary was in the parking lot at Tallowood.  She did not know I was her future pastor.  But in her own audacious way she asked, “Do you pray for our President?”  Bill Clinton presided at that time.  I explained that I did as she got into her car and drove away.
              What good comes of our prayers?  Does prayer make any meaningful difference in our government?  Paul offers two possibilities:  first, good government would allow us to live quiet, godly, holy lives which would please God.  Second, there is a chance that others will come to the truth as we live and teach the good news of Jesus Christ.  The next President will live in the White House.  But Jesus lives in the Father’s house, seated at his right hand, offering salvation to all who believe.  Our world only gets better one person at a time.  So by all means pray, and vote, in that order.
Pray with me: 
Father, we recognize your royal, sovereign reign over the whole universe.  In four or eight years, we will elect a different person to be President.  Now, then, and forever you will be on your throne, because you alone are God.  Govern our lives for your great glory.  Change us so that we may become your agents of change in the world.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.
Scripture reading for today: 
1 Timothy 2

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