Tomorrow something major is happening in our nation’s capital. The transition of power will officially take place as the 46th President of the United States of America will be sworn in. I will not get into a political debate, I do not want to listen to or argue over conspiracy theories, or any of those things. For the last 10 days I have to admit that I have been worn out mentally and emotionally with everything going on in our nation. My heart is broken for our nation. However you feel about the incoming administration, the reality is, there will be a new administration by lunchtime tomorrow. I will say that I do have hesitations and reservations about this incoming administration. Not because of who they are, but rather what they stand for. I will also admit that the current Republican Party has its own demons, and is far from perfect. I am a Christian first and an American citizen second. My allegiance is first and foremost to the Lord Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Because of this, I can face uncertain days and times with absolute confidence that it is going to be ok. It doesn’t meant that it will be easy, but I know that in the end it will all work out for God’s glory and my good. I know this because Jesus settled the outcome and my eternity long ago, when He died on the cross for my sins, and rose from the dead three days later. To my brothers and sisters in Christ who are panicking right now about the incoming administration, I want to say two things to you. First, I understand your apprehension. As I said, I have some angst over some policies that will be enacted. However, and this is the biggest one for me, do not be afraid; instead, let this be a time in which our faith and trust in Jesus Christ shines through. Jesus in talking to His disciples said this in Luke 12:4-5, “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!”
Jesus is telling us some important truths in these verses. First, Jesus is warning His disciples that they will face persecution. Let there be no doubt that if we are to live for the glory of God and the kingdom of God, we will be aliens in this world. Regardless of who is in the White House, Christians will stand out and be opposed by all who are against King Jesus. Second, Jesus is telling us that man’s judgment is temporary. Yes, they could beat us. Yes, they could imprison us. Yes, they could take our life from us. They can do all of that only if Jesus allows them to do that. But when they have done it to us, then it is over. They can harm our body, but they cannot touch our soul because that belongs to God. Which leads to the last, and most important truth as we face uncertain days, Jesus is calling on us to be ready to die for Him and to trust that He has it all under control. For a Christian, death is not to be feared. Death for a Christian isn’t the absence of life, instead it is the beginning of experiencing true, eternal life. We should not be afraid of what man could temporarily do to us. Rather, we should be in awe of what an eternal God could do, and will do to those who die having rejected Him. Therefore, the question we must answer is this, are we prepared to meet Jesus? If we are, then we have no reason to fear what may or may not happen in this life. Therefore, let us pray for this incoming President, whether we agree with him or not. Let us pray that God would graciously convict his heart, and save him. Let us pray that God would give him wisdom in how to govern. Let us pray that we as Christians will not ruin our testimony by spewing hatred towards those we disagree with. Let us be faithful to share the Gospel with those we encounter in life. And let us praise God, that by His grace we are ready to stand before Him whenever that day comes.
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin