We awake to a new day, and for those who follow the news, we realize that the election yesterday, of the new Conservative leader in Canada, had some significant delays.  Unexpected complications with the counting machine was the reason for the delay.

There are many things in life for which we might experience delays.  Departure times, making major purchases, and the signing of important documents can be delayed. Simple things like the meeting of a friend, the making of a meal, or the completing of a household chore, can also be delayed.

There are times when delays are natural and essential and there are times delay is not to be the characteristic that is practiced.  One thing we are not to delay in is recorded for us in the Bible, in the book of Timothy. 

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1).

The word ‘urge’ does not have any sense of delay attached to it.  We are urged to pray and intercede, with thanksgiving, for those who are in positions of authority.  Today I am mindful of our need to pray for the government of Canada.  Eugene Peterson writes “Far more of our nation’s life is shaped by prayer than is formed by legislation.  The single most important action contributing to whatever health and strength there is in our land is prayer.” Peterson notes that this is not the only thing that has significant impact but reminds us, through his writings, that we are not to delay in praying for those in authority over us. 

Throughout all generations the ability to respect or honour those who lead our country has ebbed and flowed for all individuals.  Our need to pray is not negated by any negative feelings we might have for those who are set in leadership.  Prayer is what we are called to, as God’s people.

As we pray, we are reminded that the eternal kingdom which Jesus has established, through his death and resurrection, is at hand.  He truly does reign as the eternal King high over all earthly authority.  We pray for his coming when all things will be made right and good.  In Revelation we read that Jesus will return to establish his final kingdom, reigning over all. The “One who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in them, and the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it …will not delay!” (Revelation 10:6).At the point of his return all God’s plans will be completed.  The mystery of the kingdom of God will be fulfilled in all its splendour and wonder, and it will be made known to us his people.

We are a people called to pray and more succinctly urged to pray.  The One who reigns for time and eternity invites us to pray that his “will be done on earth at it is in heaven.”  We pray together:

Jesus, you were born in a little town.  You grew up under the authority of local leaders and officials who managed the majority of your daily life. We lift up our leaders today. We pray for all who serve our towns, cities and country.  Strengthen them with wisdom and grace for the heavy burdens they carry. May they manage their teams and projects with love.  Keep their hearts pure and their eyes turned toward your face as they work in the best interest of the people they are called to serve.   (Prayer taken from World Vision)

Our prayers prayed, we join our voices to sing of Jesus, who one day, without delay, will come to fully reign.  A glimpse of what that will be like is captured in the following lyrics. 

275: Sing We The King Who Is Coming To Reign

1. Sing we the king who is coming to reign,
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain,
Life and salvation His empire shall bring
Joy to the nations when Jesus is king.

Come let us sing: Praise to our king,
Jesus our king, Jesus our king;
This is our song, who to Jesus belong:
Glory to Jesus, to Jesus our king.

2. All men shall dwell in His marvelous light,
Races long severed His love shall unite,
Justice and truth from His scepter shall spring,
Wrong shall be ended when Jesus is king.

3. All shall be well in His Kingdom of peace,
Freedom shall flourish and wisdom increase,
Foe shall be friend when His triumph we sing,
Sword shall be sickle when Jesus is king.

4. Souls shall be saved from the burden of sin,
Doubt shall not darken His witness within,
Hell hath no terrors and death hath no sting;
Love is victorious when Jesus is king.

5. Kingdom of Christ, for Thy coming we pray,
Hasten, O Father, the dawn of the day
When this new song Thy creation shall sing,
Satan is vanquished and Jesus is king.

AMEN.  Come Lord Jesus!                                                                                                                                                                       With care and in prayer,