Election

Why are the Republican’ and Democrat’ Parties called parties anyway? There’s not a lot of partying going on is there? There just seems to be a lot of bickering, fighting, and mud-slinging.

I have no problem with either party, but I’m sure glad that this year’s campaign ads are done with. I’m also glad that Jesus is not into politics- You’re shocked?!

For hundreds of years the Israelites were anticipating a political hero to be the Messiah and to rid their land of oppressive governments. So when the Messiah did come in the form of a homeless Galilean drifter during the time of  the Roman Empire and didn’t show up on a white horse with a sword leading an angelic army to Rome to kill Caesar- the people were surprised and most of them, even to this day, didn’t recognize this man; Jesus, as the Messiah.

In Matthew Chapter 4 Jesus was offered all the kingdoms of this world by the devil and He immediately declined and basically advised the devil that life is about worshiping God, not political power.

Jesus came to preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, release the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. His interest is in restoring our wrongs through His death, burial, and resurrection, not promoting or setting up an earthly kingdom that will ultimately pass away.

In John 18 Jesus says;” My kingdom is not of this world.’ And as followers of Christ we need to realize that our kingdom is not of this world either.

We have a hope that Jesus is setting up an eternal kingdom, right now, for us where peace, justice, and righteousness will dwell forever under His authority. His is a kingdom without taxes, stem cell research, abortion, cloning, impeachments, immanent domain, or social security. His is a kingdom that will not be ushered in by Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens, Reformed, Constitutions, Libertarians, Socialists, Nazis, Communists, Pacifists, or Pansexual Peacers. His is a kingdom that will not be lead by conservatives, liberals, unions, minorities, majorities, or sexual orientation. His is a kingdom that is being ushered in by the pouring out of His blood and the power of His Holy Spirit. This is what we are to focus on and look forward to.

But for now, we do live in a broken world with broken issues. And we live in a fortunate country where we have the privilege to vote. So if you voted- thank you. And if you didn’t- exercise your privilege next time.