By Thurman Hayes

Many Americans sat glued to their TVs on Tuesday, watching mid-term election results come in. It seems like every election nowadays is called “the most important election of our lifetimes.”

For far too many people, elections are the most important things in their lives. Many on the left and the right have made politics their god. They have forgotten the real God and placed their faith in political saviors and political solutions.

May I suggest something? Politics are not trivial, but neither are they ultimate. They are not trivial, because elections have consequences. Therefore, we should be involved in the process and vote our conscience.

But politics are certainly not ultimate. Jesus and His kingdom are going to be around long after every politician is gone and every political battle has been fought.

Therefore, the work that we do for the gospel of Jesus Christ is going to remain and remain eternally. It is the only thing that is ultimate. Furthermore, we must understand that our sovereign God has a plan for this world, and He gets the final say.

Daniel 2:21 makes it clear that God “changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.” Earthly rulers are put in power for God’s own purposes, and removed for his own purposes. He rules. He reigns.

Daniel 4:17 says, “The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” Who is ultimately in charge of elections and history in general? Puny human beings? No! Rather, a sovereign God who is bending history to His own purposes and who will one day put the period at the end of the sentence.

As Christians, we have the peace of knowing how this world ends. It ends with a new world. It ends with Jesus Christ returning in power and glory to judge the wicked, and banish evil, sin and death forever. Revelation 19:15-16 says, “He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Did you hear that? Evil will be wiped away, and God’s people will be raised to dwell with Him in a new heaven and earth. It will be a world with no more death, no more suffering and no more sin.

John says in Revelation 21:2-5 says, “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’”

Can I hear an “Amen!” to that? Jesus will reign. His people will be with Him. Do you know the King of kings?

Dr. Thurman R. Hayes Jr. is senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Suffolk. Follow him on Twitter at @ThurmanHayesJr.