Have you gotten over election day?

On November 5, 2008 the front page of the USA Today newspaper read in small block letters:  “America Makes History.”  Then, in enormous block letters: “Obama Wins”.   The impact of the election the day before was enormous.

 

 

 

The local Macon Telegraph rehearsed a quote from president elect Obama’s acceptance speech that simply read, “Let us summon a new spirit” with a full color picture.

Two days have come and gone since the election.  Headlines still ring out loud with the scenes of a historic election:

In the Atlanta Journal-Constitution it declares:   “Obama shows tactical shift.”   In reference to his choice for White House Chief of Staff.

In the Wall Street Journal, one headline reads:  “In end, McCain played to the GOP.”  Speaking of McCain’s strategy in campaigning.

The World Magazine web site proclaims in large, bold letters:  “Republicans Regroup.”

This nation will never forget this election.  Eventually, however, things will come up in the news that will command the attention of the American people in such a way that the November 5, 2008 election will not be the front page.  There will be jobs to find, bills to pay, kids to raise, houses to clean, and work to be done.  Eventually, whether one is a supporter of Obama or not, most will get past this election and go on with life.  Election day will not ALWAYS command front and center.

Though this election did not necessarily turn out to my preference, I must say that I will joyfully go on with life and pray for the president.  I have already gotten over election day 2008.

However, there was another day, where my election was secured, and I have never gotten over it.  In 1Peter 1:1-3 Peter declares, “

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, ^elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

In eternity past, God Almighty set forth a great plan to call a people out to Himself. Those called out to Himself He would refer to as His elect.  The provision and preparation for this great act was accomplished before the foundation of the world. 

And, while God made all this possible for the elect before the beginning of time, “in the fullness of time” He sent forth His Son to make it practical in the world.  Jesus Christ stepped forward to make happen practically what God had already determined eternally.

Finally, on June 28, 1988 God Almighty — after drawing me to Himself for some time — applied His electing power to me personally.  I entered, that very day, into a relationship with Him based on repentance, and faith.  It was that day — one could say — that I personally entered in to the election God had worked out for me.  I am now part of the elect. 

While it may be a little theologically off base to say that I experienced an election day on June 28, 1988, I must say that I will never get over that day.  It is that day that God launched me into an eternal existence contained within Himself.

When some claim anger, fear, or grief over the outcome of elections, I say, “My election is sure, and no earthly election can change that.”  When some claim elation and unspeakable joy over the outcome of a presidential election, I say that I have had joy in my life because I was elected — not the president. 

You see, the bottom line is this.  In 1000 years, who was elected president of the USA will make little difference for the current times.  None of us will be here, and if Jesus has not returned, the world will be drastically different.  And, while the presidential election may make little difference then, the fact that I am part of the elect will make all the difference in the world.  And that, my friend, I will never get over.