“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior”
(1 Timothy 2:1-3 ESV)
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.”(Romans 13:1-5 ESV)
It is striking that those inspired words from the hand of Paul the Apostle, both in 1 Timothy and Romans, were written during the reign of Nero, the Roman Emperor. Nero was not a nice guy. Early writers, from the first century through the fourth, recorded that Apostles Paul and Peter were finally executed under Nero’s reign. Although there is no evidence the executions were at his command, they were in his tradition, having executed his own mother and adopted brother.
Paul, writing from Corinth to the saints at Rome instructs as to how they should live in relationship to the emperor and his government. Paul’s letter to Timothy, pastor of the church in Ephesus instructed the young preacher to pray “for kings and all those in high positions”.
President Obama was not my choice for President. And, I am not fond of some of his people and policies, but he is no Nero. My sense is that he is a decent man. A man who loves his wife and two daughters, and his country. And, according to his words, he claims Jesus as Lord.
So, as I write this post on inauguration evening I ask myself and you, will we follow Paul’s inspired instructions? As a follower of Jesus I have no choice “if” I want to be the citizen God expects me to be. As an American citizen my duty demands that I respect not only the office of the United States presidency, but the man who holds the office. If we don’t, how shall we then live?
My God bless President Obama and may God bless America.
Peace to you,
Royce
Grace Digest 
For me, it’s helpful to remember that I’m an ambassador to this nation from my kingdom, the kingdom of heaven. As an ambassador, I will be respectful of both those in power and their laws, so far as it does not compromise my mission.
I’m also a priest here, so I pray for those in power and those affected by their decisions.
May God bless President Obama, America and all the leaders and kingdoms of this world. May His kingdom grow and expand throughout the world.
Grace and peace,
Tim
yep, amen.
thanks
I, too, did not vote for Mr. Obama, but I was torn about voting at all this past election.
In any case, you are correct. We must pray not only that God will guide and influence our new president for His purposes, but that He will also lead this man to a true knowledge of His Will and truth. I pray that God will open his heart to truly believe what he said, “to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” and extend it to the innocent unborn who are more deserving of this estimation than many now living.
I also pray that he will remember his own words, “Our founding fathers … drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man. ” and not rule by majority opinion or democracy, by polls or popular opinion, but in the best interests of all American citizens and people of the world no matter how unpopular it may be.
And may God have mercy on and bring back to Him, in any way necessary, the ungrateful and disbelieving people of this nation who have forgotten Him from Whom all blessings flow.
Amen, I wrote a similar blog yesterday. May God give President Obama the wisdom to lead this great nation.
He has a difficult job and needs our prayers. I’m with you on this.