Scripture:
“’They are all acting contrary to Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king—Jesus.’” (Acts 17:7)
“Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)
Reading:
Imagine the smell of pencil shavings, the crack of a loudspeaker, the scrape of chairs pushed by children happy to stand, and then in unison, young voices declaring, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America... ” Your elementary school mornings may have been like mine. I still love our pledge, our flag, our country, and as a maturing Chistian, I also understand my first allegiance is to a king and a kingdom – that is Jesus Christ.
Before Caesars and kings and presidents, there was God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. “’I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’” (Revelation 1:8)
As Christ-followers, God draws us into a devoted love with the King of kings and Lord of lords. Sometimes, however, we are swept off our feet by a lesser god, one that can steal peace, kill relationships, and destroy unity. The temptation is to invest our hope and faith in anything or anyone other than God.
Aligning yourself with King Jesus is more valuable than the promise a candidate might offer or the confidence an elected official may inspire. This election year when flags and fists are flying, view through the eyes of King Jesus and remember His pledge to the world of his future kingdom. Participate in the privilege of democracy with the security that comes from “the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”(Philippians 3:8)
Your Turn:
1. Pray Philippians 1:9-11 this election season. “And pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you may approve the things that are superior...”
2. Perhaps you need a new hero. Google Christian saints, martyrs, missionary heroes, or influential Christians. Allow the lives of courageous Christ-followers to inspire you. How might the Lord be guiding you to stand for His Kingdom in your area of influence?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that King Jesus has made me a citizen of heaven. As Your ambassador, please help me to be audacious about making Your love visible to those around me. Please guide me in discerning what is excellent and pleasing to You. Amen.