Fight The Power

By Tim Miller   

With the presidential election coming up this year, we’ve had the chance to see more than our share of prospective candidates.  As we’ve seen, the Democratic race has been extremely tight and heated.  Many Republicans seem disenfranchised with their party.  I’ve talked to many Christians who feel that it’s not even worth the time to go vote this year.  Many others are actually in fear of certain candidates winning the presidency because of what they may do.  So what does this all mean?  Today as I was doing my daily Bible reading.  I came across a verse that puts it all in perspective.

Jn 19:11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
 
Just read that for a second and take it in.  I love that first sentence, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”  That is a powerful statement.  Yes, Jesus was talking to Pilate, but this statement is relevant for us today.  Let’s put this into perspective for a bit.  Jesus walked the earth during the Roman Empire.  Caesar Augustus was in power.  He wasn’t the godliest man around.  He was quite the opposite as a matter of fact.  Yet, Jesus never once spoke out against him.  This does not mean he condoned the way Caesar ruled, but that his biggest concern was not political issues.

Jesus spent his ministry teaching and equipping his disciples.  He was making disciples.  This is the great commission he has given us.  He did not commission us to pass legislation or to hold certain offices.  While there is nothing wrong with being involved with these things, we must be cautious not to lose focus; especially if we find ourselves being afraid of certain candidates being elected.  God’s will shall be done, no matter who is holding office.  Just as Jesus told Pilate, there is no power other than what is given from above.  The Apostle Paul even tells us:

Ro 13:1 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."

Now that we know this, we have no reason to fear, no matter who is the president. I know that might seem hard to believe.  The President of the United States is one of the most powerful people in the world.  Yet, God could remove any president or king from office in the blink of an eye.  Jesus tells us in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  There is a reason he said that.  God isn’t sitting in heaven watching the election thinking, “Oh man, I hope my candidate catches up in the polls.  That will throw everything off if they don’t get elected!”  
So take heart my brothers and sisters.  No matter which person wins the election, Jesus is still our king.  He is our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We serve a king who transcends any earthly office.  The world will always have its politics, kings and rulers.  Some of them may be downright tyrants.  We may lose many rights in this wonderful country of ours one day.  Things may become difficult.  But we need not fear, because our Lord has already won the victory.

Ps 72:11 "All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him."
Amen.

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