“God’s desire for all” (1 Timothy 2:1-7)

1 Timothy 2:1-7

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Pastor Tom Johnson, September 18, 2016

In my hand are four coins: a quarter, a nickel, a penny, and a dime. On the quarter, there is the noble profile of George Washington facing left with a stylish ponytail; on the nickel, the profile of Thomas Jefferson with an equally stylish pony tail tied on the end with a longer bow than Washington’s. On the penny, there is the profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right instead of left sporting a stylish chin-strap beard. And on the dime, there is FDR—Franklin Delano Roosevelt—facing left again with a clean shaven face. All of them look resolute, strong, masculine, and the mighty men of history who once wielded great power. These are all people who were in authority. In Canada, Latin America, and Europe you will see the likeness of princes, kings, and queens. In some parts of the world you will see the likeness of dictators and generals.

But even though we carry the likeness of generals, presidents, and queens in our hands, we are the ones who can feel like the pawns in the hands of those in authority. We may feel we have no say in what government does. We vote, but it may seem to have no more impact than pouring a cup of water into Lake Michigan. Our feeling of helplessness and powerlessness in the face of power has changed the language we use. We talk about being in “the system.” We talk about “the powers that be.” And we talk about the collective powers as “the man” and some of us long to stick it to “the man.” We are weeks away from a presidential election that seems to be making everyone nervous no matter their political persuasion. My kids ask me how it is that we narrow down the candidates for president and seem like we have little choice. That is the feeling of powerlessness: that there is nothing we can do for positive change—no one we can talk to in the higher ups so that we all can live peaceful and quiet lives. Thankfully, our Scripture has a much more optimistic outlook.

Paul’s words in our Epistle reading remind us of a truth we often forget—that queens, kings, presidents, dictators, and people in authority are also human. They are flesh and blood. And every human being is part of God’s plan. Paul urges that we pray for kings and all who are in high positions. It’s a reminder of what we may often forget to do. Rather than complain and wallow in our powerlessness and hopelessness, God invites us to pray for our leaders. Our leaders are not just in authority. They don’t just possess power—they are also under authority and subject to power themselves. As my wrestling coach used to say about an another wrestler I feared, “Tom, he also puts his pants on one leg at a time.” George Washington’s teeth were not carved out of wood but out of Hippopatamus ivory. Thomas Jefferson took a pair of scissors to his Bible and snipped out the passages he did not like. Abraham Lincoln was under the constant threat of assassination. And FDR was crippled by polio at age 39. They were all human. They needed the pra
yers of God’s people. And God’s desire for them was to give them all the same benefits of the Gospel that we enjoy—forgiveness, life, and salvation. Responsibility and power can weigh hard on our leaders. They can be led into temptation and misuse of their power. They are also under the threat of evil. When we see their humanity and position under God, we can begin to have compassion and love our neighbor—even though she or he is a most powerful neighbor.

We pray for their strength and wisdom. We pray for their health and integrity. We pray “lead them not into temptation.” We pray, “deliver them from evil.” We pray, not just because it is the right thing to do but because they need our prayers. Barack Obama is said to be in the most powerful office in the world as president of the United States of America. All the more reason to pray for him and our leaders. There are leaders all over the world who prey upon the weak and the poor. They exploit the people they are supposed to serve. They persecute and kill our brothers and sisters because they bear the name of Jesus. All the more reason to pray.

On all four of these same coins remain four little words—and a powerful reminder—“IN GOD WE TRUST.” A reminder that everyone is accountable to our Creator and that no one is above the rule and strength of the Almighty. But even more importantly, we should be reminded and encouraged that God’s love has no bounds. Our Scripture says, “He desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” He lived, died, and rose for the world. God has these women and men in authority within his reach and within his grasp. They are part of his plan. They are in his heart and on their mind.

“For,” our Scripture says, “there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and humanity who gave himself as a ransom for all.” God sent his Son, Jesus Christ to die and rise again for both king and pauper, queen and commoner, president and all those in authority and all those under authority. And so we pray to him because he is able to do more than ask and even imagine. He is the King of kings, Lord of lords. He has changed the hearts of kings, queens, pharaohs, Caesars, emperors, presidents, prime ministers, dictators, and generals. He changed the heart of the Apostle Paul who misused his power and authority to persecute Christians. And he even changes the hearts of the likes of you and me. Ad so he invites us to pray. He invites us to participate. He invites us to celebrate the spreading of life and love everywhere and to everyone.