TGIF

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.

1 Timothy 2:1-3

I don’t think Christians know how to think about politicians anymore. Things feel so complicated, messy and murky. No politician or party truly seems to embody the fullness of the Christian faith. No politician or party seems to be overly close to my personal views of justice, mercy and wisdom. Then there is the system itself with all its corruption and weaknesses. What are we do to with this mess?

Well, Paul tells us where we start. We start with petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving to the God who rules over the governments of the world. We trust that where we see murky, God has clarity. Where we see a tangled and complex mess, God sees His plan.

We start by giving thanks. Because for all the faults, Australia is a pretty great place to live quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness. For all the hardness, we can praise God and give Him thanks for that.

For Today:

• Do you give thanks for the government?
• Do you pray for politicians and other officials for the sake of a good society?
• Do you make use of the society God has given to proclaim Him or just to enjoy freedom for yourself?

Pray:

• Praise the Father that He is sovereign over all governments and Kings. 
• Give thanks for Jesus who is the good King who rules His people in wisdom, mercy and justice. 
• Ask God for the Holy Spirit to help you and others pray for those in authority and give thanks for them.