The election may be over, but the mania of this world won’t stop. That monster will just assume other forms. A Christian, I think, feels some detachment. An important election? Yes. Does it determine my destiny? Not really. Talking to a politician, our Victor says, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. The path of the righteous is level; you make level the way of the righteous. In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul” (Isaiah 26:3, 4, 7, 8).
“The election is over,” I said to my neighbor this morning. He answered, “I get my TV and mailbox back. No more ads.” That's detachment. “Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal; / Earthborn they are and soon decay. / Vain are their counsels at life’s last portal, / When the dark grave engulfs its prey. / Since mortals can no help afford, Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord. Alleluia, alleluia!” (LSB 797:2). The mania should make one thing clearer. “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8).
November 9th is a notable day in world history. On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall opened. On November 9, 1938, the Nazis destroyed Jewish synagogues, Kristallnacht. Detachment doesn’t mean withdrawal. On November 9, 1522, Martin Chemnitz was born. A second-generation Protestant reformer, he wrote: “Many people in all ages have given great approval to the solitary life, and it has seemed logical that a man should be freed from the cares and burdens of life in society…. In the Second Table (i.e., commandments 4 through 10) not even one word calls attention to the solitary life; but concerning our duties toward our fellowman in society in our common life together” (Loci Theologici, II-III, 716).
“Lord, we pray that Your grace may always precede and follow us that we may continually be given to good works.” The news shows us that “Christian America” is gone. What can I and my church do for our community today? Much work to do, but without worry. “Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.”