We Will Even Pray For Them

Commentary to the Sabbath School Lesson

We read in the gospels that Jesus was taken to meet with the High Priest and Pilate. We read how they publicly mocked, humiliated, and made a spectacle of Him. Despite the ridiculous trial, Jesus never once disrespected any one of them (John 18:21-23; 19:11.) He never did disrespect them even during His ministry for three years, although they disrespected Him, and plotted His murder. Contrary to the High Priest and the Pharisees, Jesus practiced what He preached: by turning the proverbial other cheek (Matthew 5:39), relying on the Spirit to bring to His mind what to say (John 14:26). We read these passages and we wonder: Could I do as He did? He said in His word that if I remain in Him I would, but do I believe that? Do I believe Him?

As we take stock of our societal issues, America's policies, both foreign and domestic, we expect those we've elected to do their jobs, and handle these problems. (While in many of your countries there are no elections, so the checks and balances on those in government are minimal.) We in America, look to our politicians and government officials to provide affordable schools, medical treatment, housing, protect our workers and so forth. Oh, how
disappointed we often are, and human they all are! We expect and hope for so much, only to find out how corruptible, greedy, fickle, self interested, and self-flattering they are. Over the years, we've learned how ineffective their methods are to deal with the real ailments in of our society. We at times feel betrayed, hurt, and angry with them. We lose all trust in them and their system. Growing cynical, we are tempted to criticize, accuse, and gossip. Oh, how human we are!

God says He raises and puts down Kings (and other rulers). Both Paul and Peter state that God appoints leaders for His purposes, and we know that His dominant objective is to "seek and save the lost." Since leaders are ultimately appointed by God to their posts, we would do well to submit to their authority. How difficult this is for us, because as human beings our sinful nature, presses for control. We want to be in control. While God does allow for civil disobedience, He stipulates that we are to obey the laws of the land unless the law or legislation goes counter to His royal law. Even then, we are to pray for the leaders, that they may have a change of heart, and not "be found wanting in the judgment." Today, many Christians think, that the above mandate "may have worked well in Paul,and Peter's lifetime, but does God still require that from us today? Paul and Peter never met the leader of my country.”

Sister White says of Jesus,

The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses-- extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually and must regenerate the heart.

Jesus’ focus was His Father’s law and will. When it agreed with the law of the land, no problem. When it disagreed with the law of the land, then He fasted and prayed. Many times He simply escaped from the mob which wanted to kill Him or make Him king (John 6:15). When Mordecai confronted Queen Esther with the pending crisis (the murder of all the Jews living in that region), she asked him (and the people) to fast and pray (Esther 4:16). She did not take action until having been purified from every sinful motive, she heard from the Lord. Notice that there were no rallies, no picketing, no marching, and no strikes. It is not to say that God will not use these methods, it is just that it was not God’s will, or the solution for Esther’s dilemma. Esther went to God first, and then proceeded to act according to God’s plan. Our sinful nature wants to act immediately. Like Peter we draw our sword to cut off the soldier's ear
(John 18:10), or offer to pray for fire from Heaven to burn them all (Luke 9:54). It is not uncommon for us to presumptuously pray for God to bless the plan of action we've chosen, and then proceed as if it were His plan. Yet, God condemns presumption. How did Esther do it? How did Jesus do it? How did they refrain from taking matters into their own hands, and yet still respect those in authority?

There is only one answer. The Bible says that Jesus was full of the Spirit (Luke 4:1). The Spirit empowered and enabled Him to unconditionally love (agape) those in political power who oppressed Him. The Spirit empowered and enabled Jesus (and Esther) to respect and honor those whom His Father had appointed to lead the people, even when they misused their position. Jesus has promised the Spirit to us. And, if we accept Him not just intellectually, but truly let Him into our hardened hearts, He will empower us also. Through His power, we will love others unconditionally, as well as respect and honor those in positions of power, even when they misuse their authority. We will even be able and willing to pray for them. Will you allow the Spirit to make that change in you?

The Special Insights web page resides at:
http://www.1888message.org/sabbathschool/