At least one radio personality has declared each of the last three elections (including tomorrow's) the "most important election of our time." Vitriol on both sides of the aisle seems irreconcilable. Democracy itself is on the line we are told. And while there are certainly some big issues involved, make no mistake--it's been much worse in our country over the years.
During his administration of the first presidency, George Washington actually led troops against American citizens during the so-called Whiskey Rebellion. The rebellion came from the grievance of several thousand Americans due to the taxation of distillery products.
Across the years, political rhetoric has been unpleasant, if not vulgar. This began early on in the election of John Adams over Thomas Jefferson. Papers and pundits both argued that Adams wanted to be king and was wishy-washy on policy. His size was even mocked as he was addressed as "His Rotundity." In response to this and other (ahem) weighty insults, the Federalist party spread rumors that Jefferson had died (!) while a college president said that if Jefferson won, “we may see our wives and daughters the victims of legal prostitution.”
This rancor was on full display in the decades leading up to the Civil War. In the 1830s, an accusation of bribery led one senator to killed another in a dual. In 1856, Senator Charles Sumner was beaten violently on the Senate floor. A few years later, a fight broke out on the Senate floor among thirty members of congress. Average citizens also got in on the action, perhaps most notably taking up arms against one another at the Kansas-Missouri border and John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry. All of this was spawned by the strong feelings evoke by the practice of slavery.
Hearing the radio, watching television, and seeing the fifty-seventh text ping our phone with a relentless barrage of politic ads, soundbites, and speeches, surely leaves us agreeing with Solomon that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc 1:9). At the same time, it may leave us feeling like the nation (if not the world) is crazier than ever! Is there any hope that the country might enjoy the relatively calm and prosperity of years of the 80s and 90s?
Only God knows. But God is clear on a much more important truth: He reigns.
If you've haven't already, vote tomorrow. Vote in ways that reflect a biblical worldview (Prov 3:5-7). Vote in ways that reveal a sense of grateful responsibility toward the nation God has placed you (Acts 17:26). Vote in ways that reveal your hope is not in any human government (Col 1:5). Vote and rest easy knowing Christ is still on his throne at the Father's right hand (Acts 5:31).
Certainly, we can pray, vote, and in general, live as citizens in this great Republic in ways that seek its welfare and stability. In fact, the Scripture exhort us to such things (e.g., Jer 29:7; 1 Tim 2:1–6); 1 Pet 2:13–17). At the same time, our faith should not be shaken by the uncertainty of the age or the political failures of ungodly leaders.
We look to One who will never disappoint us or leave us without hope. For to Christ "was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed" (Dan 7:14). In light of all we see in his loving, righteous character, this is good news, indeed!
Remember, that it's been much worse. And Christ still reigns.
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