The United States of Angst
We are days away from the presidential election, and you could say that we are in the thick of it. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, or more progressive than traditional, chances are you can feel the angst in the air. If you do, it can be at least partially credited to those seeking power, who are hoping to use this angst to their advantage.
In both presidential campaigns we hear the rallying cry to Save America. It doesn’t take much effort to paint a picture of a nation that needs saving. Domestic challenges have seeped into our daily lives. Sixty percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, while the rise of AI is causing some to wonder if they’ll have a paycheck at all. Civil liberties are challenged, and gun violence remains in the headlines. Meanwhile, global politics affect domestic security concerns. And concerns over immigration cause many to fear their neighbors. It is not difficult to paint a picture of an America that needs saving.
Using such a picture, both political parties speak of this being a pivotal, if not the most important, moment in American history. They state that the crises we face are enormous and the consequences if we fail are unthinkable. The message: We better elect the right savior, otherwise we won’t have a country anymore.
With such a message, both parties claim to be the only way to Save America. Trump campaign signs call us to “Save America Again.” Talking to the American people, Trump said, “They are not after me, they are after you. I am just standing in their way.” The Harris campaign calls us to join her and “Save Democracy.” Harris said that if Trump wins he will weaponize the Department of Justice and come after his enemies. Both sides are using the same rallying cry: Save America.
They promise that if they are given power, they will make things right and protect us from the enemy. Harris promises a new way forward and that she will be a president for all Americans. Trump said, “Fear not America,” and promises his love saying, “I will always love you for supporting me.” Our political climate is one based on fear. Ironically, we hear promises of peace and wellness from the same people spoon-feeding us fear. If only we give them power, they promise to make things right and bring unity to our divided country. All the while, the methods used in making such promises breed suspicion and further pit us against each other.
Kingdom of Hope
How are we as followers of Jesus to respond and live lives of faith in such a climate of angst? In this emotionally heightened election season, we would do well to question the rhetoric and promises of those seeking power and take time to remember whom we ultimately serve and put our hope in. Luke 21 gives us some insight and encouragement on this matter.
This passage takes place in the context of Holy Week, while Jesus is in Jerusalem at the temple: “Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ‘As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.'” (Luke 21:5-6)
What was on the minds of these disciples as they looked at the grandeur of the temple? Were they just country bumpkins admiring the big city? If so, Christ’s words might be a rebuke of materialism. Or perhaps believing Jesus was the Messiah and would rule a political realm like King David, maybe these disciples were thinking about their own political glory to come. If so, maybe Christ was rebuking their desire for power. Either way, they ask Jesus, “‘When will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?'” (Luke 21:7) After hearing Jesus’ ominous words, were these disciples thinking about the end times? Or were they thinking about a coming political revolution, or something else? To their query Jesus simply replies:
“‘Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘the time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.'” (Luke 21:8-9)
Jesus is saying, “Watch out for those who say they can save you, and do not put your hope in them.” He calls his disciples not to be frightened by the news of wars and tragedies and assures them that these things are part of what is expected.
In the verses that follow (vs. 10-26), Jesus continues to forecast a frightful scene, with people groups at war with one another, kingdoms fighting kingdoms, natural disasters, and persecutions. He is presenting well-known themes of divine judgment from places like Deuteronomy and Ezekiel. Yet in the midst of these terrifying images, Jesus encourages his disciples not to worry (v. 14), and promises that He Himself will empower His followers to act and speak wisely (v. 15). He encourages His disciples, not by painting a false picture of reality, but by promising that He will be with them through whatever comes and assuring them that this is simply the fulfillment of things long known.
Then Jesus offers a picture of things being made right, of false power structures being overcome. He assures these disciples that hope is coming: “‘At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.'” (Luke 21:27-28)
Harkening back to the image of a messianic figure from the book of Daniel, Jesus projects an image of the risen Messiah at His glorious return. The message: Hope will conquer darkness. The power of the Messiah will defeat the powers of darkness and all earthly powers.
We don’t know why the disciples commented on the grandeur of the buildings in Jerusalem. Maybe they were just backcountry kids admiring the lights of Times Square. Maybe they were envisioning themselves in the halls of power once Jesus sat on the throne of Israel. Regardless, Jesus lets them know plainly that things look darkest before the light. Before they enjoy the grandeur of the coming Kingdom, the power structures must first be defeated by the Son of Man, the Messiah. In other words, the situation will be one where people will long for greater peace. They will long for someone (anyone) to come along and deliver Israel from the chaos around them. Jesus tells His disciples that figures will come and promise salvation—promise a brighter future, promise to defeat enemies, promise peace and wholeness. Jesus invites His disciples to fix their eyes on Him, and place their hope in Him and His work of redemption, and not in the promises of those seeking power. He promises that restoration is coming, hope is on the way, and He calls His disciples to trust in His power and not the powers of this world.
Hope for Today
The fears we feel aren’t unfounded. With certain campaigns constantly and purposefully misrepresenting facts and making vengeful threats, we find ourselves entertaining the possibility of dystopian futures. Fear and anxiety are natural reactions to all that’s happening around us. Luke 21 speaks to us today. In the face of fear, we are invited to fix our eyes on Jesus and place our hope in Him and His work of redemption, not in the promises of those seeking power. In response to pictures of fear and darkness, we are invited to trust in Jesus. In the midst of dark angst and despair, we are invited to speak words of life and to remember that the dawn is coming and the Messiah is on the move.
My prayer in this election season is that we would see through the promises of those seeking power and remember again who we ultimately place our hope in. Does that mean we separate ourselves from participating in our democratic process or not advocate for what we see as a better way? No. It means that whether we vote for Trump, Harris, Kanye, or whoever else, we remember who is ultimately in the business of salvation and redemption, and along the way prayerfully make civic choices that we believe are moving us toward the building of God’s Kingdom, the kingdom where unity is centered around the One who brought good news to the marginalized and liberated the oppressed. In this season of angst, may we be encouraged to remember that as disciples of Jesus we are Kingdom people first before any tribe we find ourselves in, political or otherwise. As such, we pray for God’s Kingdom to come and Christ’s will to be done.
Cover photo credit: Joshua Woroniecki
