The Weekly Encourager – February 17, 2016 - Role Models and Prayer

As the nation mourns the death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia of the Supreme Court, I have added him to my list of role models. I did not know him personally, but from all accounts, he combined high intelligence with hard work. He was passionate for the cause of justice. He lived a life of service to the highest ideals of this nation. He had strong friendships with people of diverse viewpoints, including some who opposed him in almost every decision. For these reasons and others, he was highly respected by his colleagues and the world.

Added to that fine reputation, he was not afraid to call himself a Christian, even in one of the highest positions of leadership in our government. For that courage, I believe he will be honored by the Lord's approbation, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” - Matthew 25:23 Here's a Scalia quotation that I've pinned to my Role Models board.

“God assumed from the beginning that the wise of the world would view Christians as fools...and He has not been disappointed....If I have brought any message today, it is this: Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity. Be fools for Christ. And have the courage to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world.” - Antonin Scalia

Who are your role models? If you have young children, who are theirs? On Presidents Day and through the year, it's worth reflecting on the great men and women who have contributed so much to this country and to the world, especially those who honor the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's emulate those who “win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” - Proverbs 3:4 NIV

Justice Scalia's passing is a call to prayer. In the Bible, we are exhorted to pray for all in authority over us, knowing that the Lord places people high and low, according to His plan. - 1 Timothy 2:2; Romans 13:1-5 NOW is the time to pray earnestly for the next person who will be appointed and approved for this key position on the highest court. The next person who bears this mantle will have tremendous impact in decisions before the court at this time: important issues such as abortion facilities, immigration reform, religious non-profit challenges to contraception, affirmative action, union rights, etc. are either already argued or set to be argued this year. And who knows what issues may arise in future years as our country slips away from its Christian heritage? Since all three branches of government are involved in the Supreme Court selection process, there has never been a more urgent need for prayer for the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.

Challenge: I ask you to join me in praying for our government for just one minute each day. I know we're all busy with many cares and responsibilities, but this is only one minute out of 1,440 minutes we are given each day. The exhortation to not only respect those in government, but to pray for them as well, is a calling from God Himself. This will be one minute of guaranteed obedience to God's command. Think of the impact of thousands of God's people praying daily for His righteousness, goodness, justice, and sovereign plan for this nation! We don't know what God will do, but we know He answers prayer. Will you join me in this challenge?

God is faithful,
j