Greetings Union Church Family!
Well, what a crazy and historic week in the life of our country! As I write this email it appears that we have a winner in the presidential election. So, the question for us all in this political moment is how should we as Christians respond to the outcome of this election? Interestingly, the apostle Paul wrote to two different pastors instructing them on what they should tell the people in their churches about politics and political outcomes.
To Titus, the lead pastor in multiple congregations in Crete, he wrote: “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:1-2).
To Timothy, the pastor in Ephesus, he said: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:1-4).
Please remember, the government leaders in Paul’s world were terribly corrupt, ruthless, and were actively persecuting Christians at the time that he wrote this. So, how much more should this be true of us? Truth be told, I’m not expecting the world to respond to the election this way. It seems inevitable that in the days to come there will be more vitriol spewed by the talking heads on TV, lashing out by coworkers, neighbors, and some of your family members. Social media will probably be almost unreadable. There might be more rioting in the streets. People in the world who do not have reason to trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness in the aftermath of disappointment are expected to divide, fight, and throw temper tantrums.
But we are not people of the world. We are followers of Jesus, citizens of heaven. We are called to be light in the darkness. This world needs to see us differently. Calm, reasonable, gracious, and full of faith. So whoever you voted for… it’s your reaction to this election that will make more of a difference, and that difference might be eternal for those who are watching you.
Finally, for this coming Sunday, November 8th, we will once again be back in the book of Revelation. I will be preaching on Revelation 10 and the sermon is entitled “On Knowing God.”
Blessings and peace to you,
Billy
