Discover His heart: It pleases Him when we pray for everyone to understand the Truth
Mediterranean food, Mediterranean people…I just love them! From television and movies, we are acquainted with the fun-loving, energetic and, well, opinionated nature of people from that region. Those of us from a Mediterranean heritage have a tendency to live by the motto, “When I want your opinion…I’ll give it to you!” I’ve wondered if this was why Paul chose young Timothy, whose father was Greek and not Jewish, to minister at the church in the difficult city of Ephesus. Possibly he would best understand the culture of the region. Regardless, Paul sent some letters to him to mentor his young charge in the ministry there.
@1 Timothy 2
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” (1-2) The first and best advice Paul could give Timothy was to pray – for everyone. Pray for those who were believers and those who were not and pray for the Godly, peace-loving members of the church and for those who had caused trouble. Ask God to help them in the best way, intercede with boldness on their behalf and thank God for them, regardless of their mindset or behavior. After all, we all are a work in progress.
Paul encouraged Timothy to “pray for kings and people in authority.” To be honest, I’d rather fuss about the president and the Congress than pray for them, but prayer is the only thing that will change hearts and the laws of the land and allow us to live as Christians in peace and dignity. We just read a great example of this in Daniel. Prayer is the answer!
“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (3) Whether male or female or Jew or Gentile, salvation and truth are for everyone. Paul goes on to state the truth that we all must understand, “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.” (5-6) No bias or argument will ever unseat this truth.
And speaking of bias, I’ve always thought that in heaven someday I would like to sit down with Paul over coffee and have a little chat about a few of his teachings regarding women. There are moments when I imagine the dialogue starting with, “Paul, what were you thinking?!!” I would only show respect to this giant of the faith, understanding that his influence has changed my life for the good, but his teachings about women such as those found here in Chapter 2 have caused more than a few moments of distress for women in the church through the ages. Of course, I know that in heaven, absorbed by God’s glorious presence, this will all be immaterial, and I’ll just let it go.
We understand that the culture of the Ephesus church demanded these instructions from Paul, “Women should learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly.” (11) The exciting part of this scripture is that education was now open to women, a freedom that was not a part of the culture.
Just like the sense of free at last that comes to a teenager with a new driver’s license, many believe the Ephesian women were somewhat over the top with their new-found freedom to learn and were disruptive in the church service with their questioning and even with their dress. This was not good.
I’m certain we all agree with Paul that nothing we do, men and women alike, should be disruptive to the ministry or to the working of the Holy Spirit in our churches. We should be known, not by our dress or possessions, but by what we have accomplished for Him. We should be people who pray for everyone, from the president to the homeless, unbiased, leading everyone to the Truth.
Moving Forward: Challenged once again by Paul, I’ll pray and intercede without bias for my leadership in government, for my neighbors, for my friends and…for everyone.
Tomorrow @ Number 1-4
Phyllis Benigas 