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Prince of
Peace and a President
By Susanne Scheppmann
Key
Verse:
“I
urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving
be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live
peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)
Devotion:
I
tucked away the last of the Christmas decorations. My house appeared tidy again after the
Christmas disarray. I began to dust the
furniture and shelves when I came to the Nativity set. I had purposely left it out as a reminder to
celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus all year along.
I reflected on the recent holidays and sweet joy
filled my heart. My thoughts leapt forward, “What is the next celebration
coming up?” I realized it is the
inauguration of our 44th President.
I gazed at the Nativity scene. Several times
during December I heard the familiar verse from Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son
is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Then I
recalled the next verse that speaks of Jesus’ role in government—an eternal
government. “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and
upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The
zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:7 NIV) What joy!
What peace to know that Jesus is king of kings and Lord of lords that is
a cause to celebrate no matter what country we live in.
This
month, the United States is inaugurating a new President. It’s a time to observe and utilize our
religious freedoms. Let’s start by
praying for our newly elected President and all government officials. Let’s honor God’s command found in our key
verse, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that
we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” As followers of Christ who is the Prince of
Peace, let’s honor, respect and pray for our President.
Let’s
remember the baby in the manger is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is
also the Wonderful Counselor who guides Presidents and leaders as we lift them
up in prayer.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I pray for our national leaders. Allow
their hearts to be open to Your wisdom and guidance. Remind me to pray for them
fervently and frequently. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application
steps:
A make a note on your calendar, weekly or monthly,
to pray for our leaders in government.
Pray for them specifically by name.
Pray for wise decisions as they work with a myriad of problems that
include terrorism and the economy.
Reflections:
Do
I complain about our government or pray for it?
In
what issues should I pray for our government?
Power
verses:
Romans 13:1, “Everyone must submit
himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that
which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
(NIV)
Daniel 2:19-21, “During the night the
mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of
heaven and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom
and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes
them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (NIV)
Revelation 19:11,16, “I saw heaven standing
open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and
True . . . On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS
AND LORD OF LORDS.” (NIV)
©© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.
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