those in power

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Ezra 1:1-2:70. Cyrus, King of Persia, tells all of his people that, "The LORD, God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth."

And we might want to scoff at that. We might also want to scoff at President Trump or former President Bush. On the other hand, some of us might want to jeer at Nancy Pelosi or former President Obama. 

But the Bible is very clear that we are to honor those who are in authority, because, the Bible goes on to say, they were PUT into power by God. "Wait a minute, hang on," you might be saying. "I mean, sure! When the Bible times were going on, and the people who wrote the Bible looked at their godly leaders, they of course told us God put them there and we should obey them and pray for them. But today it's totally different! We have super nasty people in charge!

You might want to go back and look who was in charge and what they were doing when Paul told us to obey them BECAUSE GOD PUT THEM IN CHARGE, and also notice what they were doing to Paul himself.

We need to be praying for our leaders, including the President, the governor of your state, and even your local mayor. When was the last time you prayed for your mayor? Also, don't forget to pray for your local pastor, your priest, your bishops, and the pope! They are all under attack from our ancient enemy, and need your prayers far more than your snarky Facebook comments! Even if (especially if) you disagree with them.

God, thanks for reminding us to pray for our leaders.