The following is the article I wrote for The News Tribune (Tacoma) for today. To God be the glory!
I have been dreading this time of 2020 for a long time. I knew it was coming but I tried to convince myself it was just a nightmare, so I just shook my head and tried to make it go away. And now I just want to stick my fingers in my ears and yell, “LA LA LA LA…” and go to my happy place. But I have a feeling nothing is going to help except to retreat to the only happy place that is filled with joy like none other.
Yes, the presidential campaign has officially taken off with a certain candidate (who shall remain unnamed) choosing a running mate to challenge another candidate (who shall remain unnamed). Soon the airways will be flooded with ads attacking the other candidate/party. Social media will be flooded with memes trying to convince people, through deception, to vote a certain way. Articles, seemingly written by reputable sources, will be passed around with “vital and earth-shattering” information about a particular candidate. It is the same old game that is played every 4 years, but I have a feeling this year will be much worse.
You see, people are clamoring for a savior to save them. There is a pandemic going on; the economy is suffering; people are losing their jobs; radicals from the left and right are fighting for supremacy; and the polar ice caps are melting. Basically, the world is seemingly self-destructing. A savior is needed, and many are turning to this election for that savior.
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” [Philippians 3:20]
Yes, we live here on this flawed and sin-filled earth. We are decaying and moving towards death. World peace is nothing more than a fantasy that is unobtainable. We want a restored world where everyone just gets along or, worse yet, one side has enough power to force the other side to knuckle under and submit quietly.
NEWS FLASH: A savior is not coming in this or any election, but THE Savior has arrived. Jesus Christ is that Savior and he is the only Savior you truly need. He is also returning to bring home those who call on his holy name – to a place where peace, joy, love and life will be eternal; a place where the sovereign King will be on the throne and death; sin and evil will be no more. That which you are longing for is a reality. It is just a matter of for whom you are waiting: a savior or the Savior.
And so, my happy place will be gazing into the promises of God through Jesus Christ. I may still put my fingers in my ears to block out this world but instead of “LA LA LA LA!”, I will be singing praises to my God and King for the hope that is Jesus Christ – my only Savior. To God be all glory, honor, praise and worship, now and forever, Amen.
Very well put, Pastor. With all of the “news” floating around it is so easy to jump into the fray rather than sit back and keep perspective.