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First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified, in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, . . .¹

Paul was reminding Timothy to focus on the essential that he may wage a good warfare.^2. Thus, prayers for kings and those in high positions was a priority—First of all, understandably they have the influence to make things happen. Nevertheless, prayer is needed by all—particularly, his people. May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace.³  

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.⁴ Once redeemed, a true child in the faith may expect grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.⁵

Children likewise enjoy this gift. Children have a special place in God’s heart—Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.⁶ This week, I had the opportunity to pose a scenario to a pre-teen that involved a little creative imagination, “What if you were before Jesus and he asks you, ‘Why should you be in the presence of my Father?’” Simply, she said, “I don’t know.” Then we did a recap of the gospel. Upon arriving home, I lingered on the thought. And the assurance I got, “Don’t you know that children are precious to me?” Immediately, I shared the impression I received to her parents. Yes, her acceptable response to Jesus could have been, “Because you love me!”

God desires that all people be saved and come to a revelation of the truth—this truth is that there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.⁷ “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. . . And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”⁸

God calls with a small still voice.⁹ He calls people to be set apart for the gospel of God.¹⁰ He calls people to belong to Christ.¹¹ To turn away from their previous life of sin.¹² He calls people whom he loves to be living saints.¹³

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”¹⁴