Political Bad News
Dr. James C. Denison
On Monday, the Dow was doing so well, up 423 points at one point, before nosediving the last ten minutes of yesterday's session to finish down more than 200 points. The Wall Street Journal calls it "one of the swiftest, bloodiest late-day drops yet in a month that's been chock full of them." In times like these, we need the best leader we can elect.
And so, yesterday I nominated God for president. Today I have some bad news - He's not willing to run. As Gen. William Sherman said upon retiring from the military in 1884, "If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve." God feels the same way about campaigning for office - any office, in fact.
The plain fact is that my candidate is already King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Creator of the entire universe, the One who rules all that is. Our next president is probably unavailable to serve as president of your PTA or chairman of your church's flower committee. God is not running for president of the United States, for the simple reason that he is already Master and Lord.
In these tumultuous, fearful times, it may be comforting to remember that your Father is the One in charge of all creation. He is on the throne of the universe, no matter what the markets do today. The winner of next Tuesday's election, whoever he may be, will still be a finite and fallible human being. His wisdom pales in comparison to the omniscience of our God. His power is infinitesimal alongside the omnipotence of our Lord.
Edward Bennett Williams (1920-1988) was a trial lawyer known as the "ultimate insider." As he lay dying, someone commented on his power and influence. He said, "Power? I'm about to meet real power." So will we all, our next president included.
So, we who follow Jesus, know to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), but to remember that our God is Lord. Our faith is not ultimately in a president or party, but in our Father and King. We are to submit to earthly authority (Romans 13:1) unless such service is disobedient to our heavenly authority (Acts 4:19-20). Paul once wrote to "the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi" (Philippians 1:1). Note his words: Christians are permanently in Christ Jesus, wherever they are at for the moment. At all times, "our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20).
We don't know what the future holds, but we know the One who holds the future. Why do you need that reminder this morning?
By Dr. James C. Denison
Senior Pastor for Teaching, Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas
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