When power changes hands
Hello,
There has been a significant change in American politics this week. In the US midterm elections, the Democrats have gained control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
For some people, that will be wonderful news. For others, deeply disappointing. That’s the nature of democracy. Political power changes hands. Governments come and go. Today’s winners eventually become tomorrow’s opposition.
However you feel about the American election results, it is important to remember that the Bible encourages us to pray for those in authority and to seek the good of the societies in which God has placed us. But it never tells us to place our ultimate hope in them. Instead, Scripture points us to Jesus:
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16 NIV)
God’s answer to our broken world was not ultimately a political programme, but a person. Jesus did not come merely to rearrange who sits in the seats of earthly power. He came to transform human hearts and to bring us into the loving life of the Father, Son and Spirit.
That means Christians can disagree without becoming enemies. We can pray for leaders we didn’t vote for. And whether our preferred party wins or loses, we can continue doing what Jesus has always called us to do: love God, love our neighbour, care for the vulnerable and be peacemakers.
Political power changes hands. Governments come and go. But our hope, allegiance and calling remain the same: Jesus is Lord.
Kind regards,
Gavin
About the Writer:
Gavin Henderson is the National Ministry Leader for GCI in the UK and Ireland.