King of This Tuesday in November

November 8

I’m writing this at 7:30 on Tuesday morning. The polls have only been open for an hour, and I can’t try to guess what things will look like by the time you read this on Sunday.

But I do know Sunday’s sun will rise on a new leader— elected or reelected.

And Sunday’s sun will rise on the King whose reign was, is, and will be.

In the monsoon of election news and opinions and fistfights, Revelation 6 has been an unlikely anchor for my soul. It’s the grand opening of the scroll. The living creatures and elders hold their breath as the Lamb breaks open seven seals— one-by-one.

As he does, I notice something. Not only is the scroll opened by Jesus and Jesus alone, but the events that unleash with each seal are permitted by Jesus and Jesus alone.

And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering and to conquer (Rev. 6:2, emphasis added).

And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another… (Rev. 6:4, emphasis added).

And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill… (Rev. 6:7-8, emphasis added).

The scene is dark and stormy, but do you see the Lighthouse and Rock?

 “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above,” Jesus told Pilate before willingly taking up the cross (John 19:11).

Christ’s authority underscores and overarches and encompasses man’s.

My call as Jesus’ servant is to submit to and pray for the leader he’s set in place today (Titus 3:1). But my hope remains in the Ruler who will be King long after the polls have closed on this Tuesday in November.

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken…” (Heb. 12:28a)