By Andrew Williams
When King Jeroboam heard the man of God speaking against the altar at Bethel, he pointed at him and shouted, “Seize that man!” But instantly the king’s hand became paralyzed in that position, and he couldn’t pull it back. At the same time a wide crack appeared in the altar, and the ashes poured out, just as the man of God had predicted in his message from the Lord.
1 Kings 13:4-5 NLT
Good morning fellow disciples.
Have you ever been attacked by someone in authority for doing what God told you to do? Did God punish them for what they did? In response to God’s retribution, did they then turn to you and ask you to intercede with God on their behalf?
This was what happened when Jeroboam attacked this prophet.
Intercede: to plead on someone else’s behalf; or intervene on behalf of another.
The king cried out to the man of God, “Please ask the Lord your God to restore my hand again!” So the man of God prayed to the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored and he could move it again.
1 Kings 13:6 NLT
As citizens of the Kingdom of God, many of us are not in agreement with what the kings, presidents, or prime ministers of our countries are doing. They may not serve God or honor God’s people here on earth, but as disciples of Christ, we are the only ones who can intercede with God on their behalf.
Let us be like this prophet who interceded on the king’s behalf. Only we can show them what a loving and awesome God we serve.
Prayer: Father God, You are our true King. You are the one with all the authority and the power. However, You have placed persons here on earth to rule over us, and it is our duty to pray for them.
I ask You to reveal yourself to them through Your WORD, and through us. May they come to know You as their true King through the gospel that we preach. Save, heal, and deliver them, in Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.