1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NRSV)
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Chapter 2First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, Verse 2for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. Verse 3This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, Verse 4who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Verse 5For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, Verse 6who gave himself a ransom for all-this was attested at the right time. Verse 7For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Devotion
Vitriolic: “Harsh or corrosive in tone.” That seems to basically describe the public arena in terms of discourse today. Everyone is shouting at one another. As we approach another election cycle, there will, of course, be words from every side of the political spectrum that tear down decent people who truly believe they are working for the common good.
Martin Luther, in his explanation of the 8th commandment, says, “We are to fear and love God so that we do not betray, slander, or lie about our neighbor, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain his actions in the kindest way.” That last part is the hardest, especially when I strongly disagree with my neighbor’s politics.
Many scholars believe that Saint Paul wrote this passage from prison, where he had been locked up by the “kings and all who are in high positions...” Yet he still encouraged prayer for them. That is not only a supreme challenge, it is also witnessing to his faith in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Prayer
Gracious God, we pray for all leaders of our nation and world that by Your Holy Spirit You would guide them in justice and peace. We pray that we too might “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity” until the coming of Your kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.