Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Monday, February 9, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You for placing governments in power the world over to bring about peace and order. I pray this day for nations everywhere that the leaders would pursue peace, freedom and justice for all. I pray especially for those nations where the freedoms I enjoy as an American are denied to the general population. I pray that You would continue to open the world to Your gospel message. Give Christians the world over the resolve of Your Holy Spirit to continue to seek the lost, to share the Good News of Jesus with them, that You may bring them into a saving relationship with Your Son, Jesus. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit this day that I may be a responsible citizen of the Kingdom of God, and of the United States of America. Glorify Yourself in my life that my thoughts, words, and actions, may point others to You and to the light of Your salvation. All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Verses
Proverbs 29:2
2When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.
Reflecting on God's Word
What do you think would be the differences in your life if you had been born in a totalitarian state? If you were born in a totalitarian state, what do you think would be the differences in your life if you had been born in the USA?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
What principle(s) do you see set forth by King Solomon in today’s Scripture reading?
What distinction is made between authority and power in today’s Scripture?
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
Why do you suppose this particular Proverb was included in King Solomon’s writings?
What differences are there between living in a republic, as we do and in a monarchy as the Israelites do, when it comes to applying today’s Scripture?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
What application do you see to your life right now, in today’s Scripture reading?
Thoughts...When the Godly are in Authority
King Solomon made an important distinction between authority and power in the clear, and straightforward statement he makes in today’s Scripture: When the godly are in AUTHORITY—the people REJOICE, but when the wicked are in POWER, they GROAN. Authority, exercised appropriately by governing authorities (or church or family authorities for that matter!) causes people to rejoice. All of us want to have folks in authority in our lives who desire our best. When a government official is truly a “public servant” and is looking out for the welfare and benefit of the society as a whole, there IS cause for rejoicing among the people. After all, as Americans we understand what it means to live in a nation based on liberty and justice for all. While we don’t see that reality exercised fully, we know that the underlying foundation of the United States of America is freedom and justice for everyone, a government “of the people, by the people and for the people,” As President Abraham Lincoln stated it so well.
On the other hand, even here in America there are those in governmental position who seek to exercise power—they look out for their best interests or special interests, rather than the best interests of all. People DO groan in such conditions. While we can only imagine what it’s like to live with truly evil leaders in power, we understand the difference between the results when the godly are in authority and when the wicked are in power. We are called by God’s word to pray for those who are in authority—and that is a vital calling as leadership always carries with it the obligation to exercise authority and the temptation to wield power! Take a moment right now and pray for those who are in positions of governmental leadership, that as a people we may rejoice, rather than groan, and that God may be glorified!