But let’s remember that the Savior came to a land and a people
ruled by a despotic, corrupt regime. Rome was an iron fist and Palestine was in
its inflexible grip. Slavery, economic injustice, governmental malfeasance, and
a society devoid of moral restraints were the order of the day.
Jesus Christ was part of an oppressed minority, many of whom
longed for a political solution to their problems. They were hoping the Messiah
would be a charismatic leader who would throw off Roman tyranny and restore
Jewish dynasty.
That their hopes were dashed politically is putting it
mildly. Jesus didn’t just fail to win the popular vote or the electoral
college. They killed him.
Christ knew all this going in. He planted His church in acidic,
barren, rocky soil, knowing that a corrupt political and religious system would
murder His apostles and persecute His people. But the church grew anyway, and
spread around the world. Through it all Jesus taught us that our hope should
always be in Him, and in nothing else.
He didn’t promise a paradise on this side. Just the
opposite. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have
peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome
the world. John 16:33.
Sometimes we
Christians in America too easily identify our country with the kingdom of God,
and our political hero with the Savior. But regardless of who might be
President, we have but one King and He doesn’t need to register with either
political party.
One day the whole universe will thunder with His praise:
Worthy is the Lamb! On that day people from every tribe and language and tongue
and nation will bow before the only worthy One. Those of us who love Him now will be in heaven then.
God has not placed us here to get fat and happy and
prosperous, but to raise our families in the Lord, to tell other people about
Jesus, and to be salt and light in whatever way we can.
How this election fits into God’s great plan I do not know.
I just know there is a steady Hand upon the helm. He knows where He’s going and
He will get us all there safely.
Let’s hunker down, take care of our families, stand with brothers
and sisters in our church families, and share the gospel. Let’s pray and work
and put our trust in Christ alone.
