Adapted from a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL
“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.”’
John 18:36-37
We’re all looking for a leader.
Whether it’s the leader of a nation, a business, or a leader/mentor in your community, we all want someone looking out for us and pointing us in the right direction. It’s how we’re wired. And the more out of control things feel the more we long for a leader who promises hope and security.
This is certainly prevalent in today’s political climate. Facing another election cycle, we’ve begun to link all our hopes to particular candidates or a political party. And so we argue, debate, and desperately cling to the belief that one person or party can fulfill all our expectations – that he or she can be the leader we so desperately desire.
The good news is that there is a leader who can satisfy our deepest longings.
Jesus often spoke about a new kingdom—a heavenly kingdom. Well, this wasn’t exactly what everyone expected. Jesus was supposed to be a king who would overthrow the oppressive rule of Rome and restore Israel to political greatness. But Jesus certainly didn’t look the part. He had no army or palace—even the religious Jews called for His death. But Jesus didn’t come to meet all of their expectations. Jesus came to proclaim the truth.
Well, what is the truth, exactly?
Jesus came to set captives free, to seek and save the lost, and to offer His life as a ransom for many. He came to go to the cross—the very cross that you and I deserve because of our faults and our sins. He came to fight for us, to rescue us, and to give us hope and a future.
So, what does this have to do with an uncertain political climate? As a follower of Jesus, you are part of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that has no end. You can stand confidently on the finished work of Christ, knowing that He has fought for you and won! And this changes everything – because your hope is secure and your future is bright. No matter who wins this election, Jesus is the only one who can offer genuine hope and security. And that victory is guaranteed, no matter the political outcome.
Jesus is the greatest leader the world has ever seen, and He invites you to trust in Him as your Savior and King.
DIG DEEPER
Read “Peace Amid Political Chaos” also by George Wright