In case you didn’t notice, it’s a presidential election
year, which can be a trying time. Since
it seems that political campaigns are starting earlier and earlier, it’s
probably time to retire the phrase “election season” and just go with “election
epoch.” There was a day when we
could count on a good three and a half years of peace before experiencing
campaign overload. Not
anymore. If you have a TV, radio,
computer, smartphone, or windshield, it is virtually impossible to not be
overrun by campaign ads, private citizens’ opinions, talking heads, and
headlines all declaring this to be “most consequential election in modern
history.”
Though the constant political news, polling data, and
campaign strife can begin to wear on me, I’m thankful for presidential
elections because they provide me with another occasion to rest in the
sovereignty of God. It cannot be
denied that presidential elections are consequential. History shows this.
But what we will never read in history books or the news is that every
last vote cast serves the sovereign will of God, bringing about precisely what
He has ordained. And not only are
the votes ordained, but the candidate that is elected has been chosen by God. Romans 13:1 tells us that there is no authority except from God, and
those that exist have been instituted by God.
If we believe the Bible, we must believe that no one becomes
a president or senator or governor or school board member apart from the
foreordination of Almighty God. We
also know that God is forcing all things to work together to conform His
followers into the image of His Son (Rom 8:28-30). That is, all things, including this election, are
contributing to my sanctification.
So whether “my” candidate wins or not, the results of the election,
including the possible drastic change in the direction of the country, will be
used by the Father to make me more like Jesus.
Beyond that, we know that God is moving history toward the
return of His Son to set up His earthly kingdom. Undoubtedly, every election, whatever the outcome,
contributes in some way to preparing the circumstances for Christ to come
back. There is hope and rest in
that. So, whenever I hear about
the election being consequential, I should keep in mind that the most glorious
consequence will be a stage set for Jesus to return.
A few weeks ago, Pastor Rick mentioned during the Sunday
morning announcements about how the attendees of the political conventions
treated the Presidential candidates like gods, worshiping them. All too often, even believers place
their hope in a political candidate rather than in God. But as believers in Jesus Christ, even
as we participate in the election process, we must worship God and trust Him
alone with our future. He is
sovereign and is committed to bringing about our ultimate good and His ultimate
glory.
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