The Election is Over, but We Still Have Hope
Election season has come and gone, and we have our next president-elect in America.
When Donald Trump was put forward as the Republican presidential candidate, I was in utter disbelief. He’s been embroiled in controversy since the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol building. When he discussed his comeback, I figured it was a silly ploy to get his social media platform and followers riled up. But it wasn’t a joke. He was here for real.
Though I wasn’t surprised by a Kamala Harris ticket, I was intrigued that Biden would step down so late in the game. Harris shared similar stances and policies to Biden, and his presidency hasn't been very popular, so I figured the Democratic party would struggle to rally enough new voters to maintain a president in office. Nonetheless, many polls showed Harris as the favorable candidate in many of the swing states, and it looked as though she might become our new president.
Divided Responses and Uncertain Futures
Many Americans felt as though neither option was ideal. Others felt strongly that their party’s candidate would be the best option during a pivotal election. With our economy reeling from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and massive inflation that followed, many people were ready for a change. Key issues, like abortion, put single-issue voters in a bind because the Republican party made a significant shift on abortion during the RNC. It’s not to say that the two parties were equal on the issue. Rather, Evangelicals who had once claimed allegiance to the Republican party for its stance on abortion now had to deal with a candidate who is much less pro-life than they once realized.
Regardless of how we got here, we are here now. Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th president in United States history.
The responses to this news have been manifold and complex. Many of my friends who are Democrats have been lamenting this news and grieving the prospect of another Trump presidency. They are especially nervous for women and minorities due to the potential social ramifications that would come from such an election. Many of my friends who are Republicans are rejoicing and thanking God for this election. They see it as God’s provision and protection from "woke" and far-left ideology in America.
Others of my friends who, like me, are not aligned with a political party are struggling, too. How do we guard against unbiblical and unhelpful far-left ideologies threatening our churches and families? At the same time, how do we guard against the godlessness and unhelpful rhetoric that spews from far-right politicians seeking to woo Christians into secular forms of nationalism and conservatism? There’s a lot to process here.
A Sobering Picture of Human Kings
As a Christian, these times aren’t without hope. By God’s providence, I’ve been reading about some of the corrupt kings in Israel’s history while also preparing to teach on Melchizedek in Genesis 14. God has reminded me that His word is always relevant, especially in times like these.
As I read about Israel’s kings just prior to their exile to Babylon, I am struck with a real sense of sinful depravity. Even under a theocracy with the Word of God coming directly to them through prophets, Israel’s kings foolishly disobeyed the LORD. There were some cases where the prophet basically said, “Do exactly this and you will be spared. Do otherwise and you will die” (see Jer. 38:14-28). Despite these clear and vivid warnings from God, the kings disobeyed Him. Through their disobedience, the nation of Israel would be handed over into the grip of their enemies and into exile.
We need Someone far greater than an earthly king who merely promises to do things for our good. We need God's King who isn’t stained by the power and death of sin.
A Hopeful Picture of God's King
As I read about Melchizedek and how he foreshadowed Jesus (Genesis 14), I am struck by the glory and goodness of Jesus. Melchizedek, the king of Salem and the king of Righteousness (the meaning of his name), was a priest before the Levitical priesthood existed. He foreshadowed Christ, the ultimate King of Righteousness. Jesus is the King of Peace who reigns over Zion and all the universe. He is a Priest after the order of Melchizedek—a priest greater than every Levite. His sacrifice for His bride and sheep is a once-for-all payment for sin that is unmatched by any priestly sacrifice. His blessing to believers is the promise and hope of having a secure anchor in the face of persecution, threats, and the storms of life.
In Christ, we have a King and Leader who is far greater than Donald J. Trump or Kamala Harris. We have a sinless, holy, and righteous King who never errs or has a lapse in judgment. We have a King who died on the cross and rose again to give peace and righteousness to all who trust in Him. More importantly, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 17:14;19:16). Every earthly leader—president, monarch, high priest—will have to kiss the son or perish (Ps. 2:12). Every leader of every nation will have to bow the knee and confess that Jesus is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).
A Christ-Centered Perspective Amidst Uncertainty
Whether you were devastated or overjoyed by the results of this election, keeping a Christ-centered perspective is vital for us as we walk through coming days and months. The world is throwing a lot of chaos at us, and we have no idea how this presidency will affect our lives. But we can rest assured that Christ is still King and He ever intercedes for His people. Our hope goes far beyond this world and its political figures.
