More powerful than a president

“He’s the most powerful man in the world.” Is that true? Consider these words of Paul: “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” (I Tim. 2:1-2). This is a special privilege and a sobering responsibility.

The word “intercessions” is a key word. It means to intercede to God on behalf of these leaders. That means they need our help. They cannot do it by themselves. It also means we have access to power they do not have because most of them are not Christians. God hears the prayers of His people (I Pet. 3:12). We can go to the throne of God and plead with Him on their behalf. Many of them think they can get along fine without those prayers, but they are blind.

Men and women in public offices rule because God allows them to rule. Jesus told Pilate, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11). Daniel told the arrogant king Belshazzar, “The God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified” (Dan. 5:23). Isaiah said that “the nations are as a drop in a bucket” (Isa. 40:15). Solomon wrote, “The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Prov. 21:1). Yes, there are powerful leaders in the world. But they all die and lose the control they had. They only have it for a short time. They are not as powerful as they and the people they rule think.

A person who thinks he can get a favor from a public official says, “I’ve got his ear.” Well, Christians have the ear of the One who “removes kings and raises up kings” (Dan. 2:21). So who really has power?

Kerry

West End church of Christ • August 23, 2026