Misplaced Hope

I grew up a conservative Republican. I espoused to many of their beliefs, practices and rhetoric. I fully believed it was the party that Jesus would have been a part of, had He been on earth right now.

But, the older I get and the more I study all that it means to follow Jesus and the character of who He was/is, I realize afresh how really, He'd probably not be a part of either or any party. There are truly Kingdom values that both the Republican and Democratic parties hold....and many that neither holds. Their methods of accomplishing their goals may be in opposition; they're both FAR from perfect or complete. But, I'm realizing more and more that Democrats aren't inherantly evil - as I chose to believe as a child.

Further, especially in lieu of the Democratic National Convention being in Denver, it's been fascinating to watch the excitement, buzz and hype surrounding the convention, the election and the Democratic candidate, Barak Obama. Literally, thousands of people decended upon Denver in support of this candidate. In support of the "change" they "hope" he can bring.

And, as I've been taking all of this in, watching all the activity around me, seeing people willing to look like fools for this candidate and his platform, I've become more convinced that this whole thing is futile. All of these people spend time, energy, emotion and tons of money in the hope that this one man will bring desperate change to our nation and our world.

Next week in St. Paul, I'm sure it'll be the same feelings, ideas, hope, emotion and money - all for a different candidate: John McCain.

But, the truth is, neither man is anything more than a man. Yes, they both have vision. Yes, they both have plans. Yes, they both have money. And, yes, one of them will become the next President of the United States. But they're both just people.

The hope of our nation and our world can't be placed in a man, can't be placed in a government, can't be placed in a platform. The hope of our nation and our world can be placed in one person alone - the only one who can really make a differnce - Jesus.

And, watching all the people, pundits and journalists this week has honestly broken my heart and deepened my prayers. Prayers that people will realize that Jesus alone is our hope. Prayers that the candidate the Lord wills will be elected. Prayers that the world will change as hearts are drawn to Him.

It's going to be an interesting next few months.