Praying for our tyrants
Sometimes we work for misanthropic bosses, are taught by bigoted lecturers and live with stubborn and unruly spouses or family members. Even as Christians, sometimes, our instincts are to "back off" (if not lash out in anger) just to show these people that we despise their manner of behavior. Over time, refrain turns into resentment and eventually, one cannot even stand being in the same room as these people. Such was the position of the Judah's elect and citizens exiled in Babylonia to an amplified degree.
This behavior might seem justifiable and appeasing considering that one may not be being treated fairly, but it actually causes more damage than good. God offers a non-conventional solution -- pray for the prosperity of our oppressors. And I'm thinking,, God,, I think you meant pray for the "crashing and burning" of our tyrants. After all, its not going to make me feel better if my bully is getting positive-reinforcement (rewarded despite his/her ill-doings) right? WRONG!
Praying for our enemies [especially for their prosperity] might heal the unseen wounds in these people that probably cause them to act out on us. And by things starting to look-up on their side, we can be rest assured that we will benefit from it. The bigger picture here is to get more people healed and to join the side of Christ. If we were to completely, isolate our persecutors, not only would we never win them over for God, but we ourselves will never reap the indirect harvest that could have been as a result of the relationships with these oppressors. If King Neb, became more prosperous, I bet the diet of the Judean slaves would improve, so would their living conditions as well as their health. Probably even, some Judean people would get appointed as officials in his government if his territory enlarged.
All we lose from this change of attitude is our pride! (one of the seven deadly sins!)
Get rid of your pride, intercede for your enemies and get ready for the harvest! Be blessed brethren.
Created 4 months ago
