Is Jesus on the ballot?

In a little over a month we will be casting our votes for President as well as for local officials. Many Bible believing Christians have made the case that their Christian faith demands that they vote for (or against) a particular candidate or party. So is Jesus for Harris or for Trump? Christians with strong convictions have made the case for both. How did Jesus handle politics?

Jesus lived in a time where people did not have a vote.  He lived and was crucified under the oppressive Roman government.  It was a very political time as people were looking for a way to survive and overcome this oppression.  The Jews were looking for a Messiah who would rescue them and save them from this oppression.  The Zealots were working to unite forces to resist and overthrow this oppressive regime.  Almost everyone was looking for a political solution to their problem.  We are much the same.  We imagine things being so much better if our candidate gets in and so much worse if the other candidate gets in. And we can make biblical arguments as to why either one should be disqualified and is unfit to run.

 So what did Jesus do?  Jesus knew that the problems were not really political.  He remained shockingly apolitical – and this is a big part of what got him crucified.  He did not fit into anyone’s political narrative. He made no attempts to overthrow the corrupt Roman government. He did not come to set up a theocracy as Israel had in the past. He came to die for our sins and to bring reconciliation with God. He came to change hearts and lives. Politics can never do this. No matter how noble the cause, it will not repair our broken relationship with God. Jesus established the Kingdom of God in the hearts and lives of believers. He brought conversion and transformation. He brought hope and peace from within. He knew that there was not a political solution to a spiritual problem.

 So what should we do with politics? We should participate. We should certainly pray.  We should vote as part of our influence on our nation and to resist destructive trends in our society. We should support values that honor God and we should bring wisdom and grace to the structures around us whenever possible. But hope in politics alone will always disappoint us. Electing the best presidential candidate won’t change anyone’s heart. It won’t bring people closer to God and it certainly will not bring forgiveness and eternal life. Only Jesus can do this. And when he does, he starts something in our hearts that spreads for the good of others. Real changes historically have been made through spiritual convictions not political loyalties. We need spiritual revival, not political reform. Only Jesus can bring the love and forgiveness necessary to bring reconciliation in this country. Politics can only divide – friends, families, neighbors and fellow Christians. Politics can at best give some temporary hope.  Jesus gives us real hope that is eternal.

 Presidents will come and go.  Our country has enjoyed good presidents and survived bad ones. I do believe this election is extremely important, but we will survive it. Presidents have some control for a short time. Sometimes we get what we deserve. Jesus controls history forever. Our times are in His hands. Never forget this. He is the One who raises up men and women for such a time as this. He is truly sovereign. We can trust him with the future. The results of the election – no matter who wins – is part of the all things in Romans 8:28,9 that God works for the good of those who love him and have been called  according to his purpose . . . to be conformed to the likeness of his Son. This is the ultimate goal of the Christian – and politics can never stop it or achieve it for us.  God can use anything – even an elephant or a donkey. So vote your convictions. Love your neighbor. But most of all, join with me in prayer that God will raise up a president and other leaders who will be used by him at this crucial time.

 Pastor Ed