A quick word of encouragement for you after last night’s election results.
You are a citizen of heaven.
This one fact is a fact that can change everything for you in a moment like this. I know that some of us wake up today with feelings of disappointment and fear. Some wake up with relief and guarded optimism. And some wake up with frustration and despair because the whole match never once gave you a choice to express your convictions as a follower of Jesus.
But I remind you, Jesus is still the king.
“My kingdom is not of this world,” he tells leaders in his own day. “My kingdom is at hand,” he tells those following him. “The gates of hell will not prevail against my church,” he tells those in the shadow of the darkest principalities and powers. He stands in his resurrection glory and says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” And he invites us to release his governance today by praying, “Let your kingdom come.”
Politics matters. You were right to vote. We can and should be grateful to live in a nation that yields to the will of its citizens. But that means sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, and either way there’s often a sense of unease.
But as you process the news, remember the good news.
Remember that we have a greater king. That he gave his life for each and every one of us. That he loves the whole world and promises to come one day soon to renew heaven and earth. That he has chosen you and me and the church as a special people to be a refuge, an outpost, an embassy, the vanguard of heaven here on earth.
You are not alone.
I invite you to gather with us this Sunday at University Presbyterian Church. We won’t be doing anything out of the ordinary. Just a regular worship service. But what’s regular about declaring the victory of Jesus? What could be more hopeful or subversive than worshipping Jesus? It might just be what you need. It might just be what your neighbor needs.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
Warmly,
George
