Giving Thanks for Nero

Image by falco from Pixabay 

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 

I Timothy 2: 1-3

Many of us are familiar with the admonition to pray for “all who are in authority.” “Kings” would indicate civil authorities, those in government. It may mean more, but this will do for now. Paul, in this passage of I Timothy, sounds serious about this, admonishing us to not just say general prayers, but supplications and intercessionsand giving of thanks. Deep prayers. Real prayers.

Confession: I find it much easier to pray, even supplicate, intercede and give thanks for, those political leaders I like. You know, the ones I voted for and who legislate for my favorite causes, who line up with my political beliefs and worldview. But there are some…give thanks for? Seriously? How can I give thanks for someone I perceive as ruining the country/state/county/city? How do you supplicate for the “scoundrels” you hope to vote out of office?

All very well for Paul to say, but he didn’t have to deal with our current crop of politicians, right?

Image by Eugen Visan from Pixabay

Assuming Paul practiced what he preached, who was he praying and giving thanks for? According to Biblical scholars I Timothy was written about 57 A.D. Paul was in the Roman empire, most of the time, and in fact died in Rome. Who was “in authority” in Paul’s day? The Emperor Nero came into power in 54 A.D., three years before Paul wrote this passage to Timothy. So…Nero. Yup, that Nero. He was known to be brutal and extravagant and famous for persecuting Christians. He had his own stepbrother murdered, and his mother. He is said to have falsely blamed the burning of Rome on Christians and had many sadistically executed, including Paul, whose death is believed to have been about the time Rome burned.

Standing in the gap for a state or country does require going to deep, and sometimes uncomfortable, places. If Paul could supplicate and intercede for Nero, how can we do less? 

The authorities we like least might just need our prayers the most. 

Take a deep breath, close your eyes. Think of the political leader you like the least. What name pops into your head? That’s your assignment: pray, intercede, supplicate and give thanks for that individual. Deep prayers. Real prayers.

Stand in the gap.

Margaret Mills

P.S. I will admit this is a challenge for me. Comment on how you are doing with this.