What a difficult position we find ourselves in as voters in the United States. It seems every election becomes less and less civil and more and more hate-filled. I’ve not seen people have such a disdain for their neighbors and an attachment to a specific political party in all my years of living. We are definitely a country divided based on politics and personal preference. Degrading speech from both presidential candidates towards each other is not just about the game of politics. It is a fundamental shift in the way these and other candidates view humanity.
No one is immune from the pain of receiving such condemnation. While it does strike a “pack of dogs” mentality where people begin to pile on, what does it do for the gospel? Is it possible that the degradation of humanity causes Christ-followers to lose their influence?
Do you want to know who gets my vote? Keep reading.
Pilate questioned Jesus
Jesus was about to die an excruciating death on a Roman cross that would satisfy God’s wrath against us for our sins. That’s a massive demonstration of God’s grace and mercy towards man. But before Jesus made it to the cross, He went before Pilate and was asked, “Are You the King of the Jews” (John 18:33). This question was curious and an opportunity for Jesus to be very clear about His purpose and position.
Jesus answered Pilate
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). This response was very curious from someone who was rapidly facing His death. Just what did Jesus mean? He meant that there was something much more important than this world. Jesus understood that there would one day be a new heaven and a new earth. Pilate was concerned with the “here and now,” and Jesus was concerned with the “then and there.”
He went on to explain that if His kingdom “were of this world, then (His) servants would be fighting so that (He) would not be handed over to the Jews” (John 18:36). Was there fighting? Were Jesus’ followers attempting to overthrow Pilate? Absolutely not. Jesus even reassured Pilate that He was not after his job. He said, “My kingdom is not of this realm” (John 18:36).
Indeed, His kingdom is not of this world. However, it exists and works in this world to change people’s hearts and lives, not political systems. While political systems may change when the leaders’ hearts change, political systems are temporary; heaven and hell are forever.
This eternal perspective is so important to understand.
Pilate asked Him again if He were a king, and Jesus said, “You say correctly that I am a King” (John 18:37).
Jesus is my King
I want you to understand something extraordinary and significant. Jesus is not just A king, but THE KING. It is a settled fact that Jesus came to be our King. Jesus experienced that cruel death, punishment, and burial in a borrowed tomb only for God to raise Him from the dead as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
“There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). This news is not only great, but it should give us a new perspective. 1 Peter 2:11-12 introduces us to that perspective. We are sojourners in this world and faithful citizens of heaven if we’ve come to faith in Jesus.
As a result, it should change us, and we should consider others. Our King Jesus puts it this way: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
This means if your candidate wins or loses in the election of 2020, as a Christ-follower, you should demonstrate God’s love to others with humility. This is so they might come to faith in Jesus and join the journey with you to heaven. This world is passing by us so quickly. We should all understand that regardless of any election, man will eventually have to answer for his decision concerning Jesus.
Who gets my vote? I’m voting for The King.