No matter the vote, no fear. All is well in him!
Here’s God’s perspective about today. Ready? He wants you, as a believer, to know that no matter what is happening at the moment, “It’s temporary, and all is well with you IN HIM.” That’s right. No matter who won or lost, God says clearly to His people, “In me, because of me, it’s going to be alright.” Jesus says much the same, saying, “In the world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Even amidst—God forbid—wars and rumors of wars, the appearance of false prophets, even false Christs, Jesus calms are hearts, saying, “See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place . . . But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 24:6, 13).
So, who won the election of 2020? People were energized this year, weren’t they? People were voting “early” like never before. Some still are! (Sorry. That was a bad attempt at humor). So, who won? Well, is that really the most important question today? Am I dodging the issue? Do you think that I’m saying that because of our faith, what happened in this election, didn’t matter?” Let me be clear. I’m not saying that. At the LCRL, we were clear with you all along. We sadly told you that religious liberty was on the ballot. (Yes, there is a strong political movement trying to make Bible-believing Christians second-class citizens). We were honest about the issues, but we were even more confident about the ultimate solutions to these problems being, not in the policy provisions from the folks on the Hill, but temporally in the concerned communities of free people and ultimately in the message of the Gospel of God’s eternal freedom in Jesus Christ alone.
There was a lot at stake in this election, and we tried to keep you informed right up to the day of the vote. But we also kept our eyes on the big picture of things. Amidst all the chaos of a pandemic, the lock-downs, the fear, the violence, and the unrest, we realized that people were struggling to know where to turn. We sensed a hunger in people, a yearning for things that would bind us together again. We continually shared that those yearnings can’t be fulfilled by politics and certainly not violence. So, even though the election was important, it never deterred us from differentiating God’s preserving work from His saving work for the communities that we love.
As God’s people, no matter the politics, we have a unifying message, a message of grace and mercy that comes from the God who created, redeemed, and called us to be His own. People yearn for purpose. We have a purposeful life in Christ to offer them. People yearn for identity. We have a message of an enduring identity in the one who loves us with an everlasting love. We fight for the First Amendment merely freely to share that message boldly with others, without fear. Regardless of good or bad politics, we will share it no matter the cost.
So, on this Friday after the election, you may be thinking “my guy didn’t win.” (Or maybe he did). But whether the right people won or lost, let me assure that for believers, the ultimate victory is already won in Jesus. And because of that, rejoice that Thanksgiving is indeed coming. This year, let it be more than football and turkey. Let it be about giving thanks to the God who created and redeemed you and is even now is “working all things together for good to those who love him” (Rom. 8:28). Rejoice that Christmas is coming too. Don’t forget that the babe in the manger came amidst the violence and unrest of His day. He came in the midst of our troubles, even taking our eternal trouble upon Himself to save us. Remember also Good Friday, the day that Satan thought he had “locked down” Jesus for good. But even then, God said, “No way!” Easter declared Jesus’ death on the cross as God’s eternal victory over our sin, death, and Satan himself (Maybe victory over bad politics too?). Right now, our faith in God is key, our faith in God is sure, and even now, He is at work to bring all things towards His purposely end where He will judge the living and the dead and usher in a Kingdom that will last forever. In Him, all is well! Pretty great stuff, wouldn’t you agree?
The Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz is the executive director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty.
Be Informed
Pope Francis has had quite a bit to say on same-sex civil unions. What do we, as Lutherans who believe in one man/one woman marriage make of this? Rev. Paul McCain explains in a recent Issues, Etc. interview.
Be Equipped
Did you know that Lutherans were involved in one of the landmark cases guaranteeing religious groups freedom from government interference? Learn more from the Becket Fund here.
Be Encouraged
“As God’s people, no matter the politics, we have a unifying message, a message of grace and mercy that comes from the God who created, redeemed, and called us to be His own.”
