THE ELECTION IS OVER

The 2024 Election is over. Winners and losers have been decided. For some, the outcome is a victory to celebrate. For others, it is a moment of dread and despair. It is tempting (or a little delusional) to think that the conclusion of the election means we have settled our differences, embraced a unifying vision, and can move on. The election is over but our struggle for unity, peace, common ground, and a hopeful future is clearly not over. The election, it seems to me, didn’t settle anything. If anything, I come away more confused and uncertain than ever.

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Our nation has lost its way and traded in its identity and character for a “pot of stew.” As Esau sold his birthright for a hot meal, we have been engaged in a decades long, bi-partisan loss of identity and purpose. We will forsake unity, democracy, peace, for personal gain or the advancement of a personal cause.  We believe the lies of each campaign because we long for them to be true. Yes, the election is over, but the struggle for peace, justice, and the love of God is not.

As people of faith, we need to put the political system in perspective and return to our identity as people of hope. While politics divides us, we need to work for unity. While self-interest and greed command campaigns, we need to traffic in love for neighbor, the immigrant, the marginalized, and our enemies. While war rages and we seek to discern which side we’re on, we are called to be peacemakers.

If the nation, the whole world, is to be changed it will take God’s power through God’s people to make that happen. So, the election is over, but we still have hungry people to feed. The election is over, but we have grace and peace to declare. The election is over, but God is still at work bringing about the reign of God revealed in Jesus Christ – not as revealed in political leaders.

In the uncertainly of this day after the election, I find comfort and encouragement in the words of Ephesians:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Political and social reformation does not often come from the people in power. In fact, it often wells up from the sanctuaries and pulpits of the church. The reformation changed not just the church, but the whole political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. Slavery’s end came from seeds sown in the preaching and action of the church. The civil rights movement was fueled by preachers and spirituals sung by the faithful. Apartheid ended and the Berlin Wall fell propelled by the actions of people in church.

My friends, the hope, peace, and unity we seek will not be granted by political power and programs but by the God who is revealed in Jesus Christ. When we gather in worship and service, the seeds for real renewal are sown. The election is over, but God’s faithfulness persists. Why not come to worship to be part of the solution to our nation’s struggles.
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Pax Christi,
Tim Olson – Lead Pastor