The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland “had only one way of settling all difficulties, great or small. ‘Off with his head!’” Later, readers learned that “the Queen’s argument was that, if something wasn’t done about it and in less than no time, she’d have everybody executed all round.”
Lately, I’ve been too much like the Queen of Hearts. Instead of compassion, I was furious. Instead of love, I wanted (instant) condemnation. “Off with his head! Off with her head!” And the Lord convicted me of sin.
This isn’t a new lesson, God had to repeat what He showed me before.
We are supposed to hate what God hates. (See Hate what God Hates)
And yet, we are commanded to
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)
And we are to pray
I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1–4)
We are to pray for their salvation.
After I scheduled this post, I tried to do what the Lord told me. Then I realized I was also too much like Jonah, who was called to proclaim to Nineveh, but ran the other way. Jonah did not want the Ninevites saved. Are there people I don’t want saved? Alas! Lord, forgive me.
I am to pray for their salvation. I am to entrust all judgment to Almighty God. Lord, help me please You.
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Father, I want to obey You. I want to mourn over the sins of my nation. I want to hate what You hate. I also want to pray for the lost, having compassion for them. Please open eyes, ears, and hearts, and turn people to You. Please help me understand Your path and walk in Your way.
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