Expecting a Political Messiah

She sat in the pastor’s office, a blubbering heap.

I just don’t know what we will do now, she cried.

Pastor wasn’t quite sure what had prompted this woman’s breakdown. Was a family member sick? Were there marriage problems? Had a child gone prodigal?

Gently, he inquired, What’s the matter? 

Clinton won the election! she wailed.

Oh. That. Pastor refrained from rolling his eyes.

Far as I know the Bible is still true, he said. Jesus still reigns over all. 

Yes, the distraught woman agreed. But Clinton, such an immoral man leading the nation! God’s judgement will be upon us! 

Perhaps, but so will His grace, he replied.

Pastor never could understand why people wanted to portray God as a vindictive Mafia Boss. He saw a billboard once that read: When you die you will meet God. A red heartbeat flat-lining underscored the proclamation.

Why is the prospect of meeting God upon one’s death so often presented as a threat? Shouldn’t the thought of being face-to-face with God invoke images of a beautiful reunion?

It’s an irony that one of the most moral man to ever take office — Jimmy Carter — isn’t considered by the pundits to be all that great of a president. And, now, pundits consider Clinton to be one of the best presidents in recent history.

The problem with elections, Pastor surmised, is that curing what ails this country isn’t dependent upon who or who isn’t elected. Presidential terms are the stuff of dandelion dust.

Change is up to each of us.

It’s like the old adage says: Be the change you want to see in the world. Start with yourself. Your family. Your neighborhood. Your community.

Don’t be such an Eeyore, always whining, complaining.

And remember to pray for the president, whether you consider him the right man for the job or not. It can’t be easy leading a country full of people expecting a political Messiah.