But none of that interested me anything like as much as the last two minutes of the programme where Bear asked if he could pray with the President. And the President said ' Yeah sure'.
Now there are many things about that which astound me.
1) Channel 4 showed it.
2) The President agreed not only to be prayed for but for that to be broadcast
3) The prayer was heard loud and clear and the President was clearly used to being prayed for :)
4) Bear had the wit and the guts to suggest it and then to do it.
5) What you didnt see on the show but you can see from this still picture is the camera man was praying too !!
The President of the United States ( they call him POTUS dont they? ) is just a guy. He is an ordinary bloke just like you and I doing an extraordinary job and Im very encouraged to know that he is open about faith being important to him. When asked by Bear he quoted Lincoln who said that if you are an atheist when you take office you are sure to be humbled and be on your knees asking for help before you leave office. Its encouraging to me to think that the guy responsible for the worlds biggest economy might , just might, ask for help from God in the decisions that he has to make and the direction in which he is taking the country.
But even more impressive than all that about Obama is Bear.
Bear was afforded an extraordinary opportunity. He has had many, and Im guessing this was one of his more amazing ones. I read his autobiography a while ago and its a good read. He has lead a fascinating and challenging life. Not an easy start. Lots of struggles along the way. But through it all he has grown and developed in his character - he appears to be a man of integrity. What you see is what you get. He has followed his passions and has ended up dining with presidents. And when he gets the chance to pray with one, he takes it. Whilst clearly impressed with Obama he was not star struck. He knew that he had something to offer the President which the President needed more than a publicity shot and good PR. He had the power and presence of God. As do I. As do you.
So, if you met a President, or a King, or a CEO or an MP would you ask if you could pray for them?
God is passionately interested in the significant people. Those at the top need Jesus every bit as much as those in the dust. They carry a great weight and they need Jesus to give them wisdom and discernment and strength and peace.
God has occasionally put significant people in my path. Not Kings or Presidents yet, but leaders of all sorts. And nearly always Ive had words of knowledge for them. Ive delivered words to internationally known worship leaders, leaders of christian movements and organisations and many many pastors and ministers. A couple of years ago at a Bible week a CEO of a very well known organisation was on stage giving a talk about the work he does and telling people how churches could get involved in the projects his organisation was running. I looked at him and immediately I knew that he had a problem with his digestive system. Very specific words - digestive system. So after he had finished talking I went to the guy who was hosting him and said that I thought I had a word of knowledge would it be OK to give it . I was ushered up to the speaker and told him what I felt God had said. Without a blink he told me that his body was unable to digest fat and that it caused him hassles at work and made him very tired. I offered to pray with him and he was more than happy for me to do that. Then he said ' Oh, and whilst you are at it you could also pray for another issue. Ive found a lump on my testicle and am going to get it looked at this week. Maybe you could pray about that too. If God is here to heal me I want everything He has got'.
What amazing humility. Dont you think? Not an easy thing to disclose to a complete stranger - and a woman! But he didnt care what it looked like or being embarassed or any of that stuff. He was just super hungry for God. Which is why he ended up at the top of his business. God blesses hunger and humility.
So, the moral of the story is......... well there are lots of morals arent there? Be passionate about what you are passionate about and God will stand you before kings and presidents. When He stands you before them remember to keep the main thing the main thing. You might only have once chance - take it. If you become a top dog yourself then stay on your knees and always be prepared to receive from anyone who offers you some more of God. No matter what they look like or where they come from. Expect God to speak to you and He will.
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