The Lutheran Hour
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"First Things First – Pray"
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Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-8
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First things first. Pray with me! Father, we do not deserve this. Talking with You. Praying to You. Who are we to come into Your presence? You are The Holy One. Your eyes are too Holy to look on anything that is not clean. Yet You make it possible for us to approach You with great confidence and joy. By the blood of Your Son and for the sake of His perfect record which You’ve given to us through the waters of Baptism, we come to You now as Your own dear children. Not only do You make it possible, it is actually Your great delight and pleasure when we come to You and pray. What is man that You are so mindful of Him? We stand in awe of You this day. Teach us to pray. Teach us the joy and the delight it brings to You when Your people pray on behalf of others and especially for those in authority over us. In Jesus’ name we ask this. Amen.
“If all else fails, as a last resort, try prayer.” How often have you heard that? That advice has always struck me as such a pathetic and such a weak view of something as powerful as prayer. Yet, it is a common way of thinking in the world in which we live. But, it is not the way God thinks or the way God advises. God’s advice would actually be just the opposite — listen to what He says from our text this day in I Timothy 2:1, “I urge, then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone.”
Can you sense the importance the writer is putting on prayer? “I urge you,” he says. This is an urgent request. Then he adds on top of it, “First of all. . .” Not as a last resort, but “First things first-Pray!” I like the way Eugene Peterson puts it in his paraphrased version of the Bible. He writes, “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.”
These words form an “instruction manual” if you will, for a young pastor named Timothy to assist him in leading a new church. In the first chapter of Timothy, he’s warned to correct false teachers and defend the truth from all distortion. In the second chapter, he is being given instructions on what is important in worship.
There’s a lot of discussion these days about worship. There are many opinions about what should have priority and what is really important. In all of those discussions, however, one thing often overlooked or not mentioned is the importance of prayer. Yet, in these instructions to Timothy, God places it at the top of the list for him. Listen to what He says: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men” (I Timothy 2:1-6). This is the Word of God.
When God’s people gather to worship in His house, first things first. He says to pray. When you think about it, this priority really should not surprise us. Shortly before His death, Jesus entered the Temple and He cleansed it. He discovered they had turned it into a marketplace and a den for robbers. With great passion, He says, “My house will be a house of prayer, but you’ve made it a den of robbers” (Luke 19:46). The church is pictured in many ways, but one picture that captures the heart of Jesus is that His church be a house of prayer.
The priority of God is the urgent priority of His church in worship, in meetings in ministry, and in the life of each believer – pray! Don’t worry about the kind or style of prayer. He invites them all. He wants them all. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession thanksgiving be made for everyone.” All types of prayers he invites. So, with an urging as strong as this, from none other than God Himself, it raises two questions for me. First, why does He place such a priority on the prayers we offer Him? Why does it matter to Him? The second question is the flip side of this. If He, the God of the universe, places such a high priority on my praying to Him, why don’t I? Why is it not more important to me?
At first glance, I know at least in part the answer to both of these questions. I can understand His delight in my prayers if I just think like a parent. I find great delight when my daughters Elizabeth and Jennifer come to me with their burdens, their requests, and yes, those occasional thanks any parent longs for. How much more this must be true with our Heavenly Father. He loves us more than any earthly father ever could. So it’s natural that He delights in His children coming to Him with all types of prayers – none too small, none too great.
As for the other question: Why is it not more important to me? Why is it not a priority in my life to pray on behalf of others and those in authority over me. It is an answer that I’d rather not own up to. So often, I get absorbed in self. It’s the nature of sin as Martin Luther said – to curve in on itself. You can see this, can’t you? In society you can see it just in the magazines we purchase.
Years ago when I was growing up, the popular magazine was “Life.” Years later, another popular magazine came along and the focus went from “Life” to “People.” Shortly after that another magazine came out entitled “Us.” From “Life” to “People” to “Us.” I am waiting for a magazine to come out entitled “Me.” Maybe it just took a different form in a bumper sticker. Did you know one of the number one selling bumper stickers right now says, “It’s all about ME.” Sadly, the thinking of this world becomes my thinking too often. Too often it doesn’t cross my mind to pray, unless all else fails. I’m the one who’s reached the last resort. Do you find the same to be true?
But let’s go back to the text again. God’s delight in my prayers is not only because He loves me. There is a reason bigger than me for God placing such a high priority on prayer. Listen to His Word, “Pray for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved…. for there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:2-6).
Do you sense what is at stake here? These words were written at a time when those in authority (Nero and others) were absolutely brutal with Christians. The blood of martyrs was being spilled all over the world. God’s response was for the church to pray for these leaders; to pray for each and every one of them; to pray for peaceful and quiet lives because of this reason: God wants all people to be saved. God is interested in advancing the boundaries of the Kingdom and He is inviting us to partner with Him in this effort. That partnering takes on many forms, but none greater than when the people of God pray.
Now, at first glance you may wonder what influence can I possibly have on world leaders or world affairs. A man by the name of Samuel Chadwick once said, “The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil. He mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.”
Before we go further, let’s stop talking about prayer and pray right now.
Father, forgive us for being so self absorbed. We see and think only about what touches us directly. We are so often blind to the power of prayer, not only in our life but in opening doors to proclaim the Good News of Jesus. Who are we that You are so mindful of us and You invite us into this great partnership? Empower us by Your Spirit. Move us to pray on our own and with other Christians, for leaders everywhere, that the light of Your love might shatter the darkness of unbelief. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Now let’s bring this text into the present day. Many of us hearing this message are not faced with persecution and hardships that make it difficult to lead a quiet and peaceful life. Yet the reality is there. In light of God’s Word, I urge you this day to pray. Pray for the church in Central Asia – what was once the southern edge of the Soviet Union. We currently have a certain freedom in proclaiming Christ in places like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakstan. However, Islamic leaders are pushing north. Their presence could threaten our freedom in bringing Christ to the nations in this corner of the world. Pray for the leaders of China. There are many that desire to move this country into a democratic society, which honors religious freedom. Pray those doors can be opened more and human rights will be respected in the process. At the present time, many lives of Christians are in danger. Pray for their safety that the Good News of our ransom being paid in Christ can be shared.
Let us not forget to pray for the leaders of the United States and the leaders of Canada. We may not face the persecution that other countries face. Yet, there are those who wish to make life difficult for anyone who claims the name of Christ as their Lord and Savior. Pray that our leaders will bow their knees and their hearts before God, seeking His wisdom and His will in all decisions. If you can do nothing else, if you are homebound or even confined to a bed, you can still carry on God’s urgent priority, the priority of prayer.
It all comes down to this: There is not a God of the Muslims and another God for the Buddhists. God’s Word says, “There is one God, one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men.” Despite all the differences in our countries, even within the people of our own country, there is only one way for a person to be saved – Jesus Christ. He said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6).
You see, every single religion in the world teaches about mankind getting right, or at one with God. That much we all have in common. All of those religions except one will teach that this happens by something we do. We are either washed in some ceremonial river over and over or we are called upon to perform certain works or sacrifices. When we die, we come back in another life form until we get it right. Only one faith, the Christian faith, says if we’re going to be right with God, He must be the One that makes this happen. “There is one mediator between God and men – the man Christ Jesus.”
There is no doubt God loves everyone without exception. However, God is not only a God of love, He is also a holy and just God. In order to be saved, in order to enter into the presence of God or His kingdom, one must be perfect, without sin. It only makes sense.
If God were to do anything less, heaven would not be perfect anymore. Who then could be saved?
God provides a way – one way. He pours out His judgment on one man. One man willing to stand in your place. That man is Christ Jesus. This man is also His Son – His perfect, holy Son. The gift of God to you through faith is that for all who call on the name of Jesus, God will swap the perfect, untarnished record of Jesus with your record of sin, disobedience and rebellion.
I was reminded of this truth in a wedding I did recently. The wedding took place in a beautiful park located in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. The gazebo in this park is a favorite spot for weddings. The couple set up a trellis of flowers and ribbons in the gazebo. In front of the trellis was an altar; an altar that was actually a table draped in fine lace. On the altar was a 2-foot high brass cross I had brought from the church. In front of the cross was the unity candle with all its ribbons and fancy trimmings. Sitting on metal stands on either side of the unity candle stood two other candles representing the two families. It looked very nice. It’s a familiar picture to many of us.
The service began and it came time for my message. I moved forward, closer to the couple, and just as I stepped away from the altar, I heard a loud crash. I’m not sure what I saw first, the sick look on the bride’s face or the altar in shambles. The trellis had been blown over by a gust of wind and it landed smack on the candles that now were broken lying on the ground. The metal stand that once held the candle was bent and twisted. The altar was a mess. The bride’s face was saddened and filled with sorrow. One thing stood untouched – the cross. Tall and strong it stood there, unmoved. Discarding the sermon I prepared, I looked at the bride and groom and said, “There is the message you can build your life upon. Life is filled with ribbons and frills of joy and love and beauty, and then, suddenly, when we least expect it, it can be taken away. But one thing remains. One thing stands certain – the cross of Jesus Christ. That is the one thing this bride and groom can build their life upon. That is the thing you and I can build our life upon. God has not provided any other way or any other hope. Therefore, He urges Timothy and He urges you and me. First things first – pray. Pray for leaders. Pray for those in authority over you. Pray for those in leadership throughout this world.
Pray for peaceful and quiet lives that will allow the message to go forth. The one thing that stands certain is the cross of Jesus Christ. And in that cross, God is saying to the world He wants all to be saved and He has made that possible through one man – Christ Jesus.
Father, we pray. We stand before You with our Mediator Jesus Christ. He is our ransom. He is our Lord. By the power of Your Spirit, may new doors open up throughout this world to enable more and more people to hear the news You desire – no one lost. You have provided the Way, The Truth and the Life in Your own Son, Jesus Christ. All the glory belongs to You, now and forevermore. Amen.
LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for October 7, 2001 “First Things First – Pray” 69-04
ANNOUNCER: I’m Mark Eischer. Joining me is Dr. Jeff Gibbs, professor of the New Testament and Greek at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Dr. Gibbs, welcome. The Bible says there is but one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. What is a mediator?
GIBBS: Good question, Mark. The full understanding of a mediator really requires we precede the concept, go before it and understand that were there not a big problem, we wouldn’t need a mediator at all. This applies to all manner of relationships. We have mediators in our society in the political realm as well as informally in our relationships. When two people are broken apart and can’t get back together on their own, someone else has to step in and mediate. It has to be that middle person who enables the relationship to be repaired.
ANNOUNCER: So we might think in terms of a labor relations dispute or perhaps a marriage that needs reconciling.
GIBBS: Yes.
ANNOUNCER: Christ serves as our mediator with God. Why?
GIBBS: Why can He serve as our mediator with God? Precisely because He is “The Man” – Jesus Christ. This is a remarkable statement. I sometimes wonder if we are more comfortable speaking of Jesus as true God. We know He is true man. But here (1 Timothy 2:5), Paul really emphasizes it, even repeats it: A mediator between men and God – “The Man,” Jesus Christ. Why does He emphasize Christ’s humanity? Because Christ was our substitute. He repaired the relationship broken between God and man by being a true man. He’s the ransom payment on our behalf, the payment we could not make as it says in the next verse, the ransom payment for the many.
ANNOUNCER: And the reason we can’t make that payment is we do not approach this dispute as equal parties with God. It’s not a balanced situation. You had in our case people incapable of restoring that relationship.
GIBBS: Exactly, only people who by nature were interested in breaking the relationship and continuing to keep it broken.
ANNOUNCER: Is there any special significance to the word mediator? We look at the English word and might think of one thing. Does the Bible in its original context convey any further meaning?
GIBBS: I don’t know if it contains any further meaning, although the Bible does routinely use it in religious context. We don’t often think that way. We think politics. We think inter-personal relationships. We think labor relationships. But the ancient world was well aware the human race needed mediators over against the divine realm, if you will. But no, I think our common experience with mediators really does communicate the essence of what a mediator is all about.
ANNOUNCER: Another word we might use is “go-between.” How does that describe what Christ has done?
GIBBS: Here we will be picking up more on the ongoing character of Christ’s relationship with the Father. For us, in our lives as Christians, we continue to falter. We continue to stumble. Until the Lord returns, it will be this way. When we turn to the Father, we approach Him through the Son in the power of the Holy Spirit. And so, the Lord Jesus not only once remedied and repaired the relationship for all, but He is the One through Whom that relationship continues to live and grow and be a blessing to us.
ANNOUNCER: We heard about that in today’s message where we talked about the privilege of being able to pray in the name and through the intercession of Jesus Christ.
GIBBS: Yes. The Father is first of all the Father of Jesus, the eternal Father of the eternal Son. It was Christ and Christ alone who taught us the Lord’s Prayer. Only because we believe in Him – He is the Son of the Father. And through Him, we become by faith in Him the sons and daughters of that same father.
ANNOUNCER: Thank you. We’ve been talking with Dr. Jeff Gibbs professor of New Testament and Greek at Concordia Seminary, in St. Louis. The next Lutheran Hour message is titled, “In the Hour of Death.”