After this week, the political picture for November seems to have gotten somewhat clearer, even if that picture gives believers a pause. Barring some kind of political maneuvering reminiscent of Tammany Hall, Donald Trump will receive the Republican nomination. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton appears to be wrapping up that party’s nomination, though with its system of super delegates who are not beholden to any voting outcome that could change. Many Evangelicals now will face a ballot that presents only two real choices (given our nation’s two-party electoral system, where third parties stand no realistic chance at winning election at the highest levels of government), neither of which are palatable to them.
It is interesting to note the influence that cultural Christianity still wields over the political process, though certainly that influence is waning. Both presumptive candidates profess a deeply held and deeply important Christian faith (though one might note how neither seems to follow the dictates of that faith). Yet Bernie Sanders has made significant strides as a person of no faith at all, as someone who does not believe God exists (though he is culturally Jewish). In the last election cycle, a Mormon – Mitt Romney – stood as the candidate for the Republican Party. As believers, we must come to terms with the fact that the Christian faith will, within an election cycle or two, no longer be a factor whatsoever, whether in the mind of the electorate as a whole or as part and parcel of a candidate’s image.
Such a realization has caused many believers to become despondent over the state of our nation, as well as the condition of the electoral process. In some circles there has been much hand-wringing; I can’t help but to think that some would be wearing sackcloth and ashes were it culturally acceptable to do so! As someone who has a deep respect for the ideals upon which our nation was founded (including, although some argue to the contrary, the principles of Christianity), I understand that attitude and am tempted myself to move in that direction. However, in those moments, I remember who is really in control of everything that is happening: God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, King of kings and Lord of lords. There are none before Him, and there will be none after Him (Isa. 43:10). His sovereignty extends even to the actions of nations: He sets the time frame in which they exist (Acts 17:26); He establishes rulers (Dan. 2:21; Rom. 13:1); He rules over nations (Psa. 22:28); and He uses nations to achieve His purposes (cf. His use of Egypt under Joseph to provide for Israel, His use of Assyria to punish the northern kingdom of Israel, and His use of Babylon to punish the southern kingdom of Judah). Some of us have, almost without knowing, transferred our hope to our political system, looking to our government as the provider of our rights, liberties, and sustenance. While God has certainly established the governing authorities for our benefit (cf. Rom 13:1-7), our salvation and our sustenance comes from Him alone. His sovereignty is not challenged; He is still on His throne! In this electoral season, this is just something to think about…
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