November 7, 2024

Dear Central Church,

Last week in worship we sang a powerful song (Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin) that proclaims God’s sovereignty, majesty, and glory. The bridge declares this: 

All thrones and dominion
All powers and positions
Your name stands above them all, Jesus

We didn’t plan it, but the Holy Spirit was obviously at work as I thought about the upcoming Election. It was a powerful reminder that the selection of a President, while a  noteworthy and important event, the allegiance of the people of God is directed elsewhere. We enthrone one as Lord and Savior who stands above all thrones, dominions, and powers in our world. 

The “scandal” of this declaration is how Jesus comes to this position. He didn’t win an election, stage a military coup, or conquer his enemies in battle. Jesus is the “slaughtered lamb,” who is declared as worthy of “blessing, honor, wisdom, and power” (Rev. 5:12) by his sacrificial death and resurrection. 

While most of us participated in this civic privilege of voting, the real question for the people of God is not who or what we voted for. Our potential to make a real difference in the world comes down to how we will live in the days ahead. We enthrone Jesus as Lord and Savior. He willingly divested himself of coercive power in order to become an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world, and he calls his people to “do as I have done.” (John 13:15) The example he set through his life and death is the model after which we are to pattern our lives.

I don’t know if you woke up Wednesday morning happy or sad about Tuesday’s election. Some may be fearful and others are hopeful. I’m sure there are Jesus-followers with a full range of emotions related to this event. I do, however, want to declare to you what I know to be true: the occupant of the White House does not change the call of God’s people to “do as I have done.” 

This Sunday, as we continue our journey through the B.L.E.S.S. acronym, I want to invite us to renew our commitment to follow Jesus’ example and “Serve Sacrificially.” This is how we make an eternal impact in our community! See you Sunday.

Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark