If Jesus Were King

This week, I will not be sharing an entire article that is original to me.  I have MANY concerns for our nation & the world at large, so the upcoming elections are foremost in my mind – and honestly, have been for many months – as I’m sure you surmised from my article a couple of weeks ago – Taking Care of Business.

I have concerns – about American citizens in general and American Christians specifically not exercising their right, their privilege & their responsibility to vote; about why people are not fulfilling that civic duty – are they making it all about personalities?  Well, this is NOT a personality contest; about how even the people that are voting are not looking at the issues that on the ballot and considering how the persons elected will deal with those issues that are important to them, because there are many moral issues – Christian values – on our ballots;  about blind loyalty to particular political parties, regardless of their moral platform, because “that’s the way I’ve always voted”; about how people are looking for problems and trouble.  Regardless of the election results – I hate to be a Negative Nellie, but we likely need to brace ourselves for some difficult days ahead no matter which party wins.

So this morning when I read my daily devotional I just felt like I had to share it in its entirety.  The recommended Bible reading was:  Luke 19:36-38, but it focused on verse 38 (NLT).  Jesus was making His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the people waiting there for Him were shouting: “‘Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!’”  

“Much of history is the story of contentious politics.  In today’s age of democracies, we see cycles of debates and disputes over politics and candidates.  Similar debates filled the age of monarchies and empires, not over who would rule but how well they were ruling.  Some governments have been good, others have been bad, and by no means have any been flawless.  The fundamental question in all arguments and discussions regarding political ideology is what good government looks like, and from there springs a multitude of others:  What degree of control should it have?  To whom is it accountable?  What policies should it implement?  And on and on and on.

“What if Jesus were King?  He is King of the universe, of course, but if the living Jesus showed up in the flesh and ran one of our governments, what would it look like?  What issues would be important to him?  How active would he expect his subjects or citizens to be?  Which kinds of authority would he delegate, and which kinds would he exercise himself?  Would he seek to control or influence?  Enforce legislation or change hearts?  These questions could go on and on too, but even a few are enough to spark your imagination.  If Jesus were in charge of your country, what kind of environment would he create?

“The answer to that question ought to guide not only your political choices but also your sense of civic responsibility.  In some very real ways, Jesus has the opportunity to change society for good through his faithful people who are strategically placed in neighborhoods, cities, counties, states and the nation.  If you want to be salt and light in a democracy, you will need to have some understanding of how Jesus would be – and actually is, through his people – salt and light in a democracy.  Ask him for that understanding, and don’t be surprised if he gives you unexpected answers.  Then live as a Jesus follower with a Kingdom perspective wherever he places you in society.”

The prayer was:  “Jesus, it’s hard to imagine you getting mixed up in politics but also hard to imagine you avoiding real issues that affect lives.  Show me that balance.  Lead me into positions of influence.  Let me be part of the change you desire.  Amen”  *    

If Jesus Were King, I believe that He would expect all of his followers to step up and do the right things, because He would not want us to avoid the real issues that affect lives.  He would expect us, wherever He places us, to wield our influence for good.  He may give the opportunity in our “positions of influence” to facilitate positive changes in our families, within our group of friends, our churches, our neighborhoods, etc.  Let Him shape you and strategically place you so that you can be part of the changes that He desires!

Written by Karran Martin – October 25, 2024

[All bold emphasis is mine]

*Quoted from Salt & Light Devotional by Chris Tiegreen