“In a Weird Way, Son, I am Excited”

This was how I responded to my 7 year old this morning when he asked me who won last night. Of course, he knew who I voted for and what I was praying would happen in this year’s election. He knew that the candidate who won was not who I was hoping would win. He obviously was surprised by my words.

To tell you the truth, I am a bit surprised by my response to him.

But here’s the thing: when Luke asked me, I had just finished reading Revelation 1-5. If that doesn’t put things in perspective, I don’t know what will. The results of yesterday’s election give the Church an unprecedented opportunity to be authentic.

Consider. . .

1. Authentic Trust. 

How many evangelical Christians do you think cried out to the Lord over recent days for His will to be done on November 6th? Yeah . . . a bunch. Do you think for a second that God did not hear His people’s prayers? No way. He  gives us the same attention He gives His Son – we are ‘in Christ.’ God’s will was done yesterday. Today the church has an incredible opportunity to demonstrate that we really do trust the God who answers prayer according to His will.

 

2. Authentic Affection.

When I read the New Testament (and a majority of the Old!) I never read of there being a ‘godly’ leader in office. I never read of there being a king or ruler or magistrate holding to traditional Christian values and morals. You know what I do read, however? Authentic followers of Jesus advancing the kingdom in the power of the Spirit in the midst of evil regimes. The church in Acts exploded during perilous times with wicked leaders in office. We church leaders (myself included!) have been preaching for years and years and years for our churches to be like the church in Acts. Well, here you go. Did we mean that? Now is the opportunity to love Jesus passionately and love others compassionately with the Gospel that will shine brighter in the midst of where it looks like we are heading as a country.

 

3. Authentic Hope.

If I understand my Bible correctly, times are going to get worse before Jesus returns. If that is the case, bring it on. I want to see Jesus! Don’t you? Yesterday’s results are really and truly a God-given opportunity for the Church of our Lord Jesus to show the world where we put our hope. It can demonstrate to the world that this is not our home and we are awaiting another.

 

So, yes. In a weird way – I am excited! The church has been talking and praying big for years. Now, more than ever, God has laid before us an opportunity to be exactly who He has placed us here to be.

Last time I checked, authentic light shines brightest in the darkest places.