Post-election Thoughts

To My Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Our Lord presented Himself to a world that He loved. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). On the eve of Passover, the vote was taken, “But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.” (John 19:15). The disciples were devastated, “And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.”(Mark 14:27). In the midst of the scattering, our Lord was still in control. So much was going on even after our Lord was laid in the darkness of that dark cave. But on the third day, Christ rose from the dead. And that which appeared to be the end was the beginning. The cross did not stop our Lord, but rather provided the impetus and power of salvation.“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).

The comparison between the election and redemption cannot be juxtaposed in the same light. In the greater scheme of things the redemptive act of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus trumps all of history. The point I want to make today is that we as Christians view everything through the crucible of Calvary. Paul said, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (I Corinthians 2:2). As Christians we are commanded not to worry, Jesus said, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life...” (Matthew 6:25). Paul said, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6). Paul also said, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18). In the spirit of the cross, we see every set back as a set up. History proves this as well. Just before William Tyndale died as a martyr and his body was burned at the stake, he prayed, "Lord! Open the King of England's eyes.” Within four years, at the same king's behest, four English translations of the Bible were published in England, including Henry's official Great Bible. All were based on Tyndale's work. Yes, there is death, however, we believe also in resurrection. If our ideals are right, if our values are in line with God’s, He will bless in His way, and in His time. On a day like today, take heart my brothers and sisters. God loves you, He is in control. On the dark and stormy night when Paul was about to survive a literal shipwreck he was able to say, “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee” (Acts 27:23,24). Do you remember the cry of the priests who rejected Jesus? They cried out, “...We have no king but Caesar.” Eventually, even Paul was put to death by Rome. But we who experience death shall most assuredly experience resurrection. Women now name their dogs Nero and their sons Paul. Long live The King of Kings!

My simple advice:

1. Don’t pout. Lift up your head, Romans 8:28 is still in the Book.

2. Don’t stop praying. Continue to pray to God about the matters that we know matter to Him. Pray for those who are in authority. (I Timothy 2:1-3).

3. Be determined to make a difference where you can, in your home, in your church at your work, at your school. “...But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

4. Keep a loving attitude. Don’t ever stop behaving as Christians! Jesus said, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them...But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:31-32; 35-36).

I love you all. And I love America. Don’t give up on our country. God blessed us once. He can do it again. Believe. Believe. Believe.

Your Forever Friend,
Johnny Pope