“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev 1:8

Let there be no confusion on this day. The Alpha and Omega is ruling and reigning at this very moment in perfect holiness and without fail (Ps. 99:1). He does not slumber or sleep (Ps. 121:4), nor does he require more information to make future decisions (Rom 11:33-36). He is not wringing his hands or pacing around the throne room of heaven anxious to see what occurs in voting booths and war zones around the world (Num 23:19). He is unmoved by angry rhetoric and hateful words that are spoken by sinful men and women today (Ps 37:13). In fact, at this very moment the Ancient of Days is not only holding all things together by the power of his will (Col 1:16-17), but He is also holding back His wrath that is deserved by all who walk the earth (Jn 3:36). All governments, rulers, bosses, pastors, parents, and people are under his ever present authority, yet only those who have been baptized into His Son are under His Fatherly care (Jn 1:12-13). 

Do you believe this?

Let’s get even more practical. Does the perfect, sovereign rule of our Almighty King and the love He has for His people have any place in your mind as you vote for yet another temporary, earthly ruler? If not, it should. 

Over the last several decades there has been a movement to make Jesus more approachable. This is worthy of great praise for our Savior welcomes all who would humble themselves to approach His loving presence, yet I fear in our movement to recapture the immanence of Jesus that we have misplaced the transcendence of God. Yes, our Savior is a friend to sinners, but He is also the living God who commands us to follow Him (see Luke 15:12-17). 

This matters to us because we not only need a personal Savior who hears our prayers, comforts our hearts, and provides for our needs but we also need a mighty King who holds all nations in His hands and promises victory over all evil. The incredible truth is that Jesus encompasses both of these realities. He is both the shepherd who tends to His sheep and also the omipotent warrior who will conquer all those who stand against Him and bring perfect restoration to His creation. We see this Christ at the beginning of Revelation when John writes:

“…and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.”  Rev 1:5–7

In three verses we get a glimpse of our imminent Savior and transcendent God who is:

• Faithful witness
• Firstborn of the dead
• Ruler of kings 
• Lover of his people
• Sacrifice for his people
• Creator of a kingdom & priesthood
• Coming conqueror

This is the God we love and serve. This is the eternal King whom we entrust ourselves to every morning when we step out of bed. This is the glorious One who holds the cosmos together while also giving us good pleasures to enjoy forevermore. As I write of this Mighty King who rules will all power and authority I am reminded of a conversation between Lucy and the Beavers from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Speaking of Aslan, the lion who is an image of Jesus in the novels, Lucy asks:

“Is he—quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”

–

“That you will, dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs Beaver. “If there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”

–

“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.

–

“Safe?” said Mr Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Jesus Christ is the Lion of Judah who will one day come to conquer. He is to be feared because He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet we can trust his goodness because He has shown the fullness of his love on the cross. In the end, our view of God’s transcendence, power, and authority not only impacts our personal lives but also the way we view the world around us. 

If you are on social media at all you know that the online ramp up to a presidential election is special, and by “special” I mean that everyone’s feeds are filled with heaping piles of political punditry and overreaction. Yet, as we get closer to election day I often see a growing number of memes stating, “No matter who’s president – Jesus is Lord”. Interestingly, these memes appear to grow in frequency for whichever side seems to be losing at the time. 

I am not here to disparage that meme, but rather ask if we believe it? Do we believe that Jesus still reigns if the “other person” gets elected? Do we believe that God’s purposes are unhindered by whatever administration takes the reins or do our words and actions expose a faith in our political system rather than our God? Are our dinnertime conversations more consumed with political complaining or Christ-focused exaltation? Do our children hear us rejoicing in a God who is providentially working among the nations or complaining about the next 4 years of potential struggle. This is not to say these conversations are always wrong, but does the transcendence of God ever enter into our conversations about inflation and border policy? Do we see Him over the unfolding of these things or does it all rest on our shoulders?

Are you anxious about what tomorrow may bring? You’re not alone.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have concern for what may happen this week, so with full confession before the Lord, brothers and sisters, let us lift our eyes past this fallen world and look deep into eternity where our King sits at the right hand of the Father. No matter what comes we can rest assured that it is for our good. 

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”   Rom 8:28–32

Do you love God? Have you been called into the family of God by way of Christ’s sacrifice? Then hold fast the confession of your faith and know that God will use whatever may come in a Trump or Harris administration to conform you into the image of Jesus. He will not be stopped in this pursuit and nothing will hinder the love of Christ from being made manifest in the life of His people. Likewise, He will establish His throne on the earth. It may come after times of tribulation and pain but do not be deceived – it will come.

In the meantime, use your freedoms to vote in a way that will allow the church to flourish and then love your neighbor who voted differently, because their soul is vastly more important than whatever administration takes the oval office. 

“Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” – Jesus (Rev 1:17-18)

Here is another resource that may help bring clarity as you head to the polls.

Mike Crump

Pastor of Church Communications

In his role as Pastor of Church Communications, Mike works to promote and resource ongoing ministry/events connected with the body here at Heritage. He also creates & distributes gospel-centered content (both physical & digital) among our wider congregation.