Monarchical Thoughts On Election Day
As of yet, no election returns have come in, and I don’t know who will be our next President (although if, by chance, all the polls are right, it will be Obama). I’ve said my share about the election, and many believers have done their part to support the candidate who better measures up to biblical governmental standards. Yet as strongly as we may support one candidate or oppose another, ultimately our hope cannot lie in an earthly figure.
Psalm 146 reminds us, “Do not trust in nobles, in man, who cannot save.” Today it would undoubtedly say “don’t trust in politicians.” Even the best disappoint us. King David himself, a man chosen by God and said to be “a man after God’s own heart,” committed adultery and murder and also brought a plague on Israel. King Solomon, the wisest man on earth, put a heavy burden on his people and led them into idolatry. Nor did their successors faithfully follow God.
But rather than leaving us cynical and hopeless, the psalmist points us to a higher hope, a hope in Yahweh, who created all and is its supreme ruler. We look not to good but faltering kings like David, who were unable to bring perfect peace and justice, but rather to the Son of David, the King of Kings who is the Prince of Peace and whose scepter is a scepter of justice.
Regardless of who is Caesar (or President, or Prime Minister…), we know that, while they may be our lord, they are never our Lord. God is the one who sovereignly raises up and casts down all leaders. When he raises up good ones, we can rejoice and thank him for that. When he raises up bad ones, we can take comfort in knowing that he is in control. Our hope, joy, and peace are not dependent upon election returns. Regardless of earthly circumstances, we know that Jesus is Lord, seated at the right hand of the Father, reigning until God makes all his enemies a footstool under his feet. Whatever happens politically, the Kingdom advances as the glorious gospel of God’s grace is proclaimed, stone hearts are transformed into clay by the work of the Spirit, and believers live as citizens of a heavenly kingdom regardless of what earthly kingdom they’re passing through.
So while I thank God for our democracy, ultimately, I’m a monarchist: one King, Jesus Christ, with all authority in heaven and on earth, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion. Give your vote to the best candidate, but give your trust and your praise to the one whose term in unending, who can change not only laws but a sinful heart, whom we did not elect but in whom we are elect. That’s one platform that deserves a hearty Hosanna and Hallelujah!
