Vote for The King

My husband always says, “I am not a democrat or a republican, I am a monarchist - I serve a King.” He got that quote from Chuck Missler, an evangelical Christian and Bible teacher who now lives with Jesus.

Similarly, I am not writing this blog to try and influence anyone’s choice for presidency in the upcoming election. If I am accused of trying to sway my readers toward anyone, may it be toward King Jesus! I am simply expressing my thoughts on what I am seeing and hearing through all sorts of media, by non-Christians and Christians alike. I admit, I too have retweeted, reposted or otherwise expressed opinions regarding this election. Yes, like many, I can get caught up in the excitement and emotion.

So many people are frustrated with our choice of candidates for president, even expressing fear if the “unthinkable” happens (which changes according to viewpoint). These reactions are nothing new; but they have increased in scope and intensity, consistently over the last few decades. As a nation, we (generally) have respected the office of the presidency, no matter which party won an election. Both democrats and republicans at least tried to find common ground, and people did not resort to such heavy violence when an election didn’t go their way, let alone months before it took place. Do I sound old? So be it. Frankly, I’m still fairly young, yet old enough to see a strengthening trend. I am not saying that people never acted out their emotions in the past, but never have I seen such immaturity and backlashing as during the most recent elections.

Whether Christian or not; being a loving, caring person is usually on top of the list for the majority of people in this country. What remains unresolved, is exactly what this should look like. We expect others to act with respect – even though we all (at some time or another) struggle with showing respect. The thing I find most puzzling; why are we so surprised when others do not act peaceably? I’m not saying civility should not be expected, or that we should excuse behavior when it is not civil; just that we should not be so surprised when we are met with behavior such as we are witnessing. If history has taught us anything, it is that we live in an imperfect, broken and hurting world; and no matter how hard we try, we are not capable of fixing it on our own.

Instead of seeing more and more unity, divisions are becoming deeper and more violent. Is it because many are just fed up with the way they are treated? If we look closely, those that are struggling with equality (and often rightly so) are not the same people that are inciting violence. Those that are tearing apart our cities, election process and quite frankly, our country have a bigger agenda.

People all around the world are waiting, with bated breath, to see what will happen to the United States, because they know this election will not just affect the USA, but every other nation in the world. What is not clear to everyone, including some Christians, is that there is “someone” behind it all with an even more nefarious agenda – and he seems to be winning. Who is this force?

We are told in Ephesians 6:12:

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Praise the Lord that no matter how bad it gets, evil has NO chance of winning. Our King has already won! Not just an election, not just a country, not even just the world. He has defeated the evil one. He has defeated hatred. He has defeated hunger and thirst. He has defeated violence, corruption, exploitation. King Jesus has defeated death itself! We just can’t see it yet. Chuck Missler can. As can all those in Christ who have gone before us.

1 Corinthians 15:54-55,57 says,

"When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.'

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

If this is true (and I believe it is), what matters then is not who wins this election. Yes, as long as we are in this current world, we will continue to see evil reign. But we are not of this world! We are not to be so caught up in the temporal that we forget the eternal! This is not to say that the church should remain silent. We do have a responsibility to make an impact for good and truth, mercy and love. But if we start thinking that God can be derailed by a mere human, no matter what office they hold, we have forgotten Who God is and what actions only He is capable of carrying out. A person does not have to be godly to be used by God. Let me repeat that. A person does not have to be godly to be used by God! God can use whom ever He chooses in any way He chooses.

If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, then He must first be our Lord. And with that choice does come responsibility – not for salvation, "lest no-one should boast" - but obedience to the King God has already appointed over all.

Ephesians 5:13-17 offers this sound council:

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is."

We obey by reading His word and living out His will – making the most of every opportunity. We need to recognize the days are evil because it is getting closer to Christ’s return. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not for years. But one thing is for sure; we are closer than ever before! We have so much to be hopeful for! Let us stop fretting over this election. Let us do our part -pray and vote – and then come what may, trust in the One who has already won far more than what is at stake in this election.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I urge you to do so today. Do not wait and risk life and death without the blessed hope of redemption in Christ.

Proverbs 29:25 tells us,

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."

Isaiah 26:3 reminds us of God promise,

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

Let us not allow the devil to distract us by this upcoming election and the surrounding turmoil. We must (now more than ever) continue to trust and serve our true Commander-in-Chief; our King, our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus!

Let me conclude with another quote from Chuck Missler: “God is going to ask you the same question every day. Do you trust him?” How will you answer?