John 18:36 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.” (NIV)

There are times when I need to be reminded that the Kingdom to which I belong; to which I owe my first allegiance; and where Jesus is King, is not a political realm or party. I need that reminder after our contentious election, in which many of my Christian brothers and sisters placed hope that it would be a powerful expression of God’s will. What it was, as it always is, was an expression of fallen humanity’s free will—no matter which side won.

Although there are many unanswered questions about the Zealots, it seems clear that in Jesus’ world there were many who were committed to revolutionary politics in the name of the God of Israel. A disciple, named Simon, may have had an affiliation with these Zealots. They would ultimately, politically, prevail in Judea and Galilee, preaching that the LORD was on their side against the Romans. In A.D. 70, we see how that turned out.

Jesus saw it coming, and He wept (Luke 19:41-44). He may still weep when He sees His people use His name in purely political battles. Given the choice, much of the world would still vote for Barabbas (an insurrectionist – Mark 15:7), over Jesus, God’s chosen King of His realm.

I love this country, and I suspect you do, as well. Yet, the greatest thing we can do for it, and the entire world, is to bear the cross, not the sword. In spreading the Gospel, not political messages, we can be witnesses for the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God is Sovereign and His Son, our King, will come, and He will reign forever.

Prayer: Abba, Father, rule in our hearts through Your Son, King Jesus. Fix our hearts on the Kingdom that is not of this world. Lead us to take that message into this world, for the salvation of all who receive Him. In the name of our King, Jesus, we pray. Amen.