Our Hope

The election results were likely troubling and disappointing for many Americans, as they were for me. The majority of the voters chose to jettison traditional American conservatism and constitutionalism and embraced instead a different political, economic, and social future for our nation -- a future far removed from what the Founding Fathers envisioned in 1791.

While this is disheartening, we Christians must not forget our hope and our position. As the Apostle Peter writes, we are pilgrims and strangers passing through the world (I Peter 2:11). St. Augustine described our position as members of two cities: the city of God and the city of man. For a time, we are temporary residents of the city of man -- the earth -- and while we live here, we are to do our best to help bring order. We can be involved in politics, exercise our duty to vote, and "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's" (Mark 12:7). Furthermore, no matter what may happen down here on earth, our sovereign God is in control.

It is He who "removeth kings, and setteth up kings" (Daniel 2:21). God knew the results of the 2012 election and allowed them -- they were not a surprise to Him.

Yet we are never to get so caught up with the happenings on earth that we forget our real home: the city of God.

Our permanent home is not here on earth -- our citizenship is in heaven where we will dwell with our Saviour for eternity (Philippians 3:20). Our ultimate hope is not in America or any other nation, government, or political party -- it is in Christ. This hope is described by the author of Hebrews as "an anchor of the soul" that is "both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19). It is a certain hope because it is based on God, who is sovereign, faithful, omnipotent, and immutable. A hope based on a government filled with sinful human beings will surely disappoint. Instead, Christians have the confident expectation of an eternal home in heaven and that Christ will return soon to take the Church home. That is our "blessed hope" as believers (Titus 2:13).

"He which testified these things saith, 'Surely I come quickly.'

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

- Revelation 22:20