Us with God

An almanac for the soul

The church year · Christ the King · The last Sunday before Advent

Tired of the noise? Your King is a shepherd.

The church year ends by remembering whose kingdom we belong to. “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil 3:20), and the kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of our Lord (Rev 11:15).

Every screen is shouting. Every election is the most important one ever. You feel pulled to fear, to anger, or to just tuning out. You may even feel distant from people in your own church over it. You’re not alone, and this season is for you.

Four tired ways through Christ the King

Which one sounds like you this year?

Under GodSheep that hide from the ShepherdIf the wrong side wins, God must be punishing us.
Over GodSheep that know the wayGet the right people in charge and the right policies passed, and faith will be safe.
From GodSheep that follow the grass“God, give us our way this time.”
For GodSheep trying to be the sheepdogThe cause becomes the gospel, and Jesus becomes its mascot.

What’s true hereGod cares about justice and neighbors, and caring for the common good is part of loving them. The bend comes when we hope in a party or a ruler for what only the King can give.

Fellow travelers

We aren’t the first to walk this way.

  • Israel asked for a king “such as all the other nations have.” God told Samuel, “they have rejected me as their king” (1 Sam 8:5–7).
  • Jesus before Pilate said plainly, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
  • Daniel served faithfully in a foreign government and still prayed toward home three times a day (Dan 6:10).
  • Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot came from opposite political worlds and followed the same Jesus together (Matt 10:3–4).

The question this season asks is not who will win, but who already reigns, and what kind of King he is.

Where the Shepherd meets us

The destination of every season is the same: God himself.

  • Our King says, “I myself will search for my sheep.” He binds up the injured and strengthens the weak (Ezek 34:11–16).
  • God promised one shepherd over his people, a King who will tend them himself (Ezek 34:23).
  • We pray for those in authority so we may live peaceful and quiet lives (1 Tim 2:1–2), and we seek the peace of the city where we live (Jer 29:7).
  • Every knee will bow to Jesus (Phil 2:9–11). That means no election can make him less King, and we can vote, disagree, and love our neighbors without fear.
For the road

This week, pray by name for one leader you voted for and one you didn’t. Then have a kind conversation with someone who sees things differently.

Keep walking

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