Jan 20 2009
Huh?
Many American Christians believe, as an article of faith, that we are to pray for the success of our leaders. It has become a sort of conventional wisdom among soft-minded believers. The biblical proof-text for this misguided way of thinking is Romans 13:1-4:
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
What could be more clear-cut? At face value, it would seem the Bible is telling us government is a God-ordained good and that we are not to resist its terrors. Many a coward has been bolstered in his conviction against challenging tyranny by not reading too deeply into the Scriptures. Yet, nowhere does the Bible ever suggest evil rulers are to be obeyed. When the rule of men conflicts with the commands of God, the Bible leaves no doubt about where we should stand.
That’s why I do not hesitate today in calling on godly Americans to pray that Barack Hussein Obama fail in his efforts to change our country from one anchored on self-governance and constitutional republicanism to one based on the raw and unlimited power of the central state.
It would be folly to pray for his success in such an evil campaign.
Read more here.
[From me]
What? Is this guy for real? I admit I didn’t vote for our new President. However, I will pray for him daily just as I did for both President Bush’s, President Clinton, Regan, Carter and Ford. I don’t want President Obama to fail because that means our nation fails. I will pray President Obama makes Godly decisions but not to fail. I will pray he will seek Godly wisdom but never to fail. I pray for God’s protection on President Obama not to fail. I pray that our nation will turn to God but never to fail. I don’t remember Jesus praying for the failure of Caesar. I think we should pray that God would use President Obama and change some of his views but if he fails we all fail.
What do you think?
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To paraphrase an old saw, when someone says something stupid, it’s something stupid. And, when someone who is well known says something stupid, in international media, and thousands or millions of people agree with him, it is still something stupid.
Bob Cleveland’s last blog post..So THIS Is What I Get……
Bob,
Even before I read your comment, I was thinking “this is the stupidest thing I have ever read”.
I’m with you on this Kevin. I didn’t vote for him but I will pray for him but not for him to fail because that endangers all of America. I will pray that he will find godly counsel that will steer him to a relationship with Jesus Christ and away from the c*** that will be fed to him. That being said: I will also not jump on the bandwagon of pandering and idol-worship today or any day.
Bill(cycleguy)’s last blog post..Church Unique
This reminds me of my Esther Bible study…wasn’t Xerxes a prideful, powerful tyrant that was used by God to save the Jews??? Esther had to obey him as her husband, but his heart was softened and God was able to use him. JMO
This is what I put in our church bulletin last Sunday:
Rick Boyne’s last blog post..What would you hear…
In the 1930’s the (Evangelical) church (in Germany) was encouraged to view Adolph Hitler as the one that God had raised for the salvation of the German nation….
…Many of Germany’s world famous theologians sided with this national church movement… As the movement gathered momentum, hoards of people who had previously had no interest in the church began to flood the sanctuaries.
There are HUGE segements of American Christians that similarly believe that Obama has been raised up.
I will pray for President Obama. I will pray for the United States of America. I will pray for the church of Jesus Christ to be wise and to be faithful. I will pray for God’s grace, mercy and protection of our country and the president from all enemies, foreign….or domestic.
In Christ
Andrew
Andrew-
There were HUGE segments of American Christians who believed the same thing about Bush.
Thankfully, we don’t have a national church to have a movement. Of course, evangelicals have come dangerously close.
Marty Duren’s last blog post..On the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama
Um, I think you had/have HUGE segments of church goers who felt/feel that way. The very fact that they feel that way makes me question whether they are truly “Christians.” I am not trying to come across as judgmental but if you are truly a Christ follower, you would have no question about the proper roles of these men.
Angie’s last blog post..Prayer Request
If I am not mistaken, most expressly Christian nations throughout history have been monarchies. Is there any Biblical basis for believing that God prefers self-governance and constitutional republicanism?
Vinny’s last blog post..Will History Be Kind to Bush? (3)
Suprisingly Vinny – No.
Marty, You are right on. Lots of people felt that Bush was going to be the “deliverer” on many issues the “right” wanted. Didn’t turn out that way did it? The Evangelical political machine that started in the late 70’s was dealt a severe if not fatal blow in the Bush era.
Like you I did not vote for Obama. I cannot for ethical reasons, like abortion and the socialistic views he embraces. However I was sitting in a McDonalds election night in a section of my town known for it’s racial diversity. I could not tell you how many races of people were in there, but I was clearly the only white guy. It was surreal to me. People were praising, weeping and singing hymns…it was astonishing to me.
I hope he is a great American President. I pray the Lord will bless him and bless America, and steer his heart like God steers a river.
I am going to be viewing him and his administration carefully
Andrew
Bob,
That is classic.
Sonya,
Great to hear from you and Marty!
Tammy,
Good stuff.
Rick,
Nice Prayer
Andrew,
I’m not suggesting we don’t watch the President. The last 4 years are enough for me to remind me that people don’t always deliver what the promise.
Marty,
Great observations
Angie,
I agree. I don’t get justifying his position with the Bible.
Vinny,
That is an excellent point. Actually that is my problem with congregational rule. It slows down progress and people sway with circumstances. That is why I like a representative form of government.
Wow, horrible advice and obviously a perversion of scripture. We are to pray and we are to show respect. There are times we will need to voice our opposition (like with FOCA), but to do it in a respectful tone.
I think that civil disobedience should be a last resort and used only in extreme situations.
We shouldn’t pray for him to fail, but that God would give him wisdom and that he would make godly decisions.
Shane Vander Hart’s last blog post..When Sanctity of Life Sundays Are Not Needed