Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just; and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”” Daniel 4:37 NASB2020
The Apostle Paul admonishes us to pray for our leaders so that we may live in peace. He encouraged this at a time when the Romans ruled. The church at that time was subject to Roman rule. The church was being persecuted by both the government and Jewish leaders. Remember Paul was once one of the ones that persecuted the church. So, he tells us in Timothy to pray for our leaders.
In the United States of America, we are able to elect our leaders. We are not under a dictatorship but can vote in free elections. Whenever, the election season is upon us we as Christians will take sides to support the candidate that we may deem as godlier or just not participate because neither is godly.
In the past elections we have allowed our dissatisfaction to rule, and we have complained and vilified our leaders instead of taking up our roles as intercessors and praying form them. We have disqualified those that do not hold our ideals as being of the devil and those that hold our ideals as one being from God. The scripture clearly states that God is sovereign and can put whomever he chooses as leaders. Our job is to pray.
The best example we have is Daniel. God used King Nebuchadnezzar to capture Judah and bring them into captivity. Daniel was captured and positioned as a wise man in the King’s court. Daniel did not worship the king or other gods, but King Nebuchadnezzar knew that Daniel heard from his God and had great wisdom.
King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and asked Daniel to interpret the dream. The King tells Daniel what he heard the Lord speaking and asked for interpretation. The dream is about the downfall of the King so that he may know the Most High God.
““This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers, And the decision is a command of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And He grants it to whomever He wishes And sets over it the lowliest of people.”” Daniel 4:17 NASB2020
Daniel interprets the dream and is frightened for it is to befall the King. Daniel wishes that it would not happen and tells the king to repent. Daniel has such a heart for this evil and wicked king. God’s word does come to pass, and King Nebuchadnezzar loses his mind and is humbled by God. Finally, King Nebuchadnezzar comes to his senses and recognizes God. As a result, he is restored, and this is his testimony:
““But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom endures from generation to generation. “All the inhabitants of the earth are of no account, But He does according to His will among the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can fend off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’ At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the honor of my kingdom, and my state counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me.” Daniel 4:34-36 NASB2020
There are many prophetic words about our 2024 election, some are from the soul’s perspective, and some are actually from God. Remember He is sovereign and can use anyone he wants to bring about His purpose even an evil and wicked ruler.
Our responsibility is to pray and pray for that leader’s salvation. Daniel prayed for his people and for the King. Just look at what happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. As a result, the people knew the Sovereign Lord reigned and knew His purpose would stand.
Instead of demonizing our leaders, let us pray for them and pray that they will be God’s instrument in bringing about peace and salvation to our land. Think of how much influence these candidates would have if they began to proclaim the power of the gospel? There is no reason for us to fear because God is on our side. All authority in heaven and on earth belong to Him. No man or woman will accept the seat of the presidency without God’s permission. Our Lord reigns. Be encouraged.
Reflections 