The French President rightly called last night’s ISIS terror attacks on Paris an “act of war.” He added that ISIS is “a terrorist army … a jihadist army, against France, against the values that we defend everywhere in the world, against what we are: A free country that means something to the whole planet.” Then he vowed that France “will be merciless toward the barbarians of Islamic State group” and “act by all means anywhere, inside or outside the country.”
I applaud President Francois Hollande for both his clarity and directness.
The Role of Government:
The Bible makes clear that the role of government is to punish those who do evil and protect the innocent. As a follower of Christ I am to forgive my enemy, while trusting both God and the government to execute justice and wrath.
Romans 13:4
“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.” (HCSB)
Romans 12:19
“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (NASB)
The Power of Evil:
The Bible states that those who plan evil do so precisely because they are evil. Those who execute their plans do so because they have the power or ability to do so. The only way to stop them is to remove the power from their hands. They do not understand reason or compassion. Someone with a stronger hand must pry from their hands their power and their ability to do evil.
Micah 2:1
“Woe to those who dream up wickedness and prepare evil plans on their beds! At morning light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands.” (HCSB)
Matthew 12:29
“How can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.” [(HCSB) – words spoken by Jesus]
Praying Against Evil:
While the government and military fight with weapons that kills, we who love God also fight with a powerful weapon – it’s called prayer. Not just any prayers will do.
Proverbs 15:29
“The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” (HCSB)
If we want our prayers to make a difference in this world, then our lives must reflect Jesus at work and home and in the community. Righteousness comes from being in a right relationship with Jesus and obeying what He says. Otherwise our prayers accomplish very little.
While we pray for the people of Paris, the families who lost loved ones, and those who were injured, let us also examine our own lives and the power of our own prayers.
Praying for Our Leaders:
The Bible teaches that praying for our leaders impacts the quality of our daily lives.
I Timothy 2:1-2
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (HCSB)
If we want Paris, London, New York, and our home town to be safe, then we must pray for our leaders. Pray for them to be wise, courageous, and steadfast in the face of evil. Pray that they understand the proper role of government in punishing those who do evil and protecting those of us who do good. Pray that leaders and nations will work together in the battle to rid our world of those who plot such evil against humanity as was witnessed in Paris. Pray that our leaders do more than just talk the talk.
Choosing our Leaders:
I’ll close this post with one verse from the Old Testament about the kind of leaders we should choose – or in America, the kind of leaders we should elect.
Exodus 18:21
“But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” (NIV)
Pastor Steve Hogg
Charles C Dotson says
Sadly the work of the devil receives the majority of media coverage.
I pray that we, as God fearing believers, will elect officials that look to our Father for guidance and wisdom. Trustworty , people with integrity, who love our Country of freedoms, who realize our blessings come from the Lord Jesus Christ.