Post-election reaction

I Peter was written about 60 years after the death of Christ.  It is a letter from Peter to the believers who had been dispersed throughout the world and were under intense persecution.  Peter, himself, had been beaten, threatened, punished, and jailed for preaching the Word.  He knew what it took to endure without bitterness.  He never lost hope and he remained true to his faith.  He lived an obedient and victorious life. 

The world was in a terrible mess during Peter’s lifetime.  Nero was the reigning power in Rome and was responsible for the persecution that was taking place.  Despite the circumstances, Peter exhorted the people to “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”  (1 Peter 2:17)

If those Christians in the first century found a way to show honor to Nero, then surely I can find a way to obey God by honoring our President.  His religious views and different than mine.  His values are different than mine.  But I am commanded in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 to pray for my leaders.

“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.”

God’s judgment is coming to this country.  We (as a country) have made wrong choices.  We slaughter the innocent.  We live immoral unholy lives.  We are no different than Sodom and Gomorrah.  (See Genesis 19 for how that turned out.)

It is time for God’s people to ban together and pray like we’ve never prayed before.  It is time for us to reach out to the lost.  More than ever, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus.  We need to persevere.

“Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder.”  (Romans 12:11-12)

Our all knowing heavenly Father was not taken by surprise by our election.  He loves us with an everlasting love and yearns for each of us to humble ourselves and pray.   

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”     (2 Chronicles 7:14)