Reassurance.

Politics refers to the activities associated with the demonstration of a ruling power. These activities of ruling parties are supposed to benefit the people they rule—at least that’s the goal. How do we, as Christians, view this whole political scenario that is brewing around us this November election? Will the elected officials properly exercise power for the benefit of this nation’s constituents? I remember well the grip of sadness that hovered over a certain number of voters from four years ago. 

Will our nation’s direction be reversed in less than a week? Will your expressed vote or mine make a difference? I’m thankful that we still live in a country that allows its citizens to vote for political power; we can be grateful for this right to a formal expression of our choice for who will rule with power. But does our vote really matter? Does any vote matter?

My intent, with this Pastor’s note, is to reassure every one of you that the future of our nation is in the secure hands of one particular voter—but it's not you. This voter did not even register in this election year, nor has this voter ever registered. This has nothing to do with the Iraqis or the Russians. This is a very real and determining vote cast by one individual. His vote is final. His vote sways the direction of nations. Daniel 2 speaks about this particular voter.

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. // Daniel 2:20-21

In verse 21 we have information that is meant to set the believer’s heart at ease, no matter what the outcome of November 3. Daniel reminds us that only one vote ultimately matters: God’s. He deposes kings and governors and presidential candidates. He raises up political powers and he tears others down. 

I almost expect that some of you will look at me with a dull, blank stare as if to say, “Really, does God really operate over and above the people’s vote?” The answer is a resounding “yes!”

I do plan to vote and I certainly hope you all place your vote by the 3rd of November. Yet, as a believer, none of us needs to shed too many tears if our respective candidate does not win the ballot. And we certainly don’t need to gloat if our party rises to meet this election day challenge. 

What Daniel is encouraging is an elongated and joyous strain of Christians who will go to bed on November 3 with confidence in their Maker—the God who reigns forever and ever.

Join me, not in a political plea, but in a heartfelt calmness that knows our God has plans for who will sit in the President’s seat come 2021. No worries—that’s how he has formed his platform. Peace—that rules all his days. 

Blessings to each of you as you consider the real results of the upcoming election.

Pastor Al

Here are a couple other passages that are meant to console our anxious hearts for this upcoming election:

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. // Romans 13:1

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, // 1 Timothy 2:1-3