Praying for the Salvation of One's Unsaved Leaders
Does it not upset you when you are a Christian and your country's leader is not saved? It certainly should upset anyone. Christians are told to obey and submit to their leaders unless they are told to do something wrong but they are never commanded to rebel. Right now, it should be very upsetting to hear that while Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared January as the Bible month yet he ended up challenging the God of the Bible at the same time. He even said God could be stupid based on the context of Genesis 3 concerning Adam, Eve and the original sin in the Garden of Eden. He needs to see the need for God in his life. That should be a red flag that Filipinos need to put him in their prayers instead of attempting to overthrow him.
Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. [5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. [6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. [7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
While Christians are commanded to obey and submit - they are also commanded to pray for their leaders. The very statement of President Duterte is blasphemy. He isn't just attacking the false god of Catholicism - he's also unknowingly attacking the God of the Bible. What's troubling is that he believes in a god that didn't create Hell. What he fails to understand that when Adam and Eve sinned that God made a solution in His Son the Lord Jesus. He doesn't understand that God gave man free will so they will love Him willingly and enjoy His fellowship. He doesn't really understand the Scripture because he isn't saved.
This is the reality that any responsible Christian must face. It's the challenge of praying for an unsaved leader. Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao himself had a conversion story from Roman Catholicism to becoming a born again Christian. It was really a wonderful testimony though he has a long way to go in his Christian life. It should be the prayer that somehow let Philippine Senator Pacquiao himself could be the instrument that God may bring President Duterte to the truth of the Gospel.
Is your country's leaders not saved and you are a Christian? You must pray for your country's leaders that they may come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This would be the challenge - to pray for the unsaved authority figure. It's just like how Daniel himself respectfully dealt with King Nebuchadnezzar during the 70 years exile to Babylon. Christians must deal with unsaved authorities in due respect, disrespectfully turn down an evil command and accept persecution if need be. In short, be a Daniel when your leader is a Nebuchadnezzar.
Is your country's leaders not saved and you are a Christian? You must pray for your country's leaders that they may come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This would be the challenge - to pray for the unsaved authority figure. It's just like how Daniel himself respectfully dealt with King Nebuchadnezzar during the 70 years exile to Babylon. Christians must deal with unsaved authorities in due respect, disrespectfully turn down an evil command and accept persecution if need be. In short, be a Daniel when your leader is a Nebuchadnezzar.