Karl Barth was quoted as saying, “Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.”
The headlines of the world should call all Kingdom citizens to prayer for the nations–if we believe we should interpret the world’s actions in light of the Word. God is an apostolic God, always at work and guiding everything toward redemption and recreation (Rev 21-22). He uses even small happenings in a remote corner of the world to accomplish great things for the Kingdom.
Two significant headlines caught my attention this morning. The Associated Press ran the story that Japan’s Parliament elected Yoshihide Suga as prime minister. CNN reported that Barbados has decided to removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and become a republic. Governor-general, Sandra Mason said it was a move to leave behind their colonial past.
As I saw these headlines, my mind went to two matters for prayer. First, the Japanese are one of the largest unreached people groups in the world. Second, the effects of colonialism, including the unhealthy Church-State relationships remain. Though colonialism may fade, its history will continue to affect the advancement of the gospel.
As you read your news app, do so with the worldview of the Kingdom citizen. Pray and think rightly about the world. While the prayer of the righteous has great power when focused on Church matters (Jas 5:16), such is also true when the focus is with larger global issues (Jas 5:17-18; cf. 1 Kings 18:41-46).