A few days ago my cousin Mike and I were talking about something or other in the news and I went off on an anti-government screed, as I am wont to do from time to time ;-). He mentioned to me that I had said I was going to try and avoid that sort of thing. I thought about it for a second and repented, but then I said, "I know God forgives all sins, even those of politicians, but I don't want Him to! I want to bring down curses on their heads!" Or words to that effect.
Mike pointed out to me that I was acting as Jonah when he was ordered by the Lord to go and preach to Nineveh. That is so true. I want God to forgive my sins, but smite those I hate.
This reminds me also of the parable Jesus told about the man who owed his master 10,000 talents who was forgiven his debt and then went out and demanded payment of the man who owed him 100 denarii. I cannot ask for God's forgiveness for my myriad sins while at the same time praying that he not forgive those I don't like. Jesus says that God simply will not stand for that!
Matthew 18:23-35 (English Standard Version)
23"Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.[a] 24When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.[b] 25And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26So the servant[c] fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,[d] and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.' 29So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' 34And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,[e] until he should pay all his debt. 35So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
That lack of love for those in authority is yet one more thing for me to repent of. That very day when I tried to pray for George Bush and the rest of those who run this nation, I found it pretty tough to do. I want to pray that they will be blessed by God and that He will guide them so they can lead the nation with wisdom, but I find myself praying that God will show them the error of their ways by destroying them... Then I circle around and try again :-/Oh Lord, I pray for our President, George Bush, and all of the rulers of this land. Let your will be done in their lives, give them wisdom and guidance and love each moment of every day. Help them to make wise decisions based on your Holy Word and not on the desire for power or glory or wealth. Let them fulfill the vocation of good government that you have called them to. Thy will be done. Amen.
That's about as good as I can manage right now. ¶ 5/13/2006 10:17:00 AM 0 Comments
