Today began early voting in Marion County, Ocala, FL. It was thrilling and at the same time daunting to see the polling place absolutely packed. I wonder how early the first people in line got there. Hurray for democracy! I had already requested a mail-in ballot, so there were only a few people in the drop-off line. With a QR code app on your phone, you can scan the envelope and track its progress. I am glad for these measures, but a little sad that they are necessary. I think we are all holding our breath until Nov. 3^rd, and possibly beyond until the results are final. We do live in extraordinary times, and yet hope always springs eternal, especially when our faith is not in “Caesar” and the powers of this world, but in God and the kingdom of heaven.

 “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s.” Thus saith Christ our Lord. The ballot box represents our freedom as Americans. Have we not rejoiced when other nations have adopted democracy, to see their citizens – man AND woman – vote for the first time, to actually have a choice in who governs them? We have the blessings of liberty, the right to choose. As Jesus hopefully made clear to the Pharisee’s underlings, we owe allegiance to two kingdoms. No matter who gets elected, our allegiance is to a country that we still believe embodies bedrock principles of fairness and justice. Most of us did not have a choice in our citizenship; we were born in this land. We can learn a lot from the stories of those who were not, like our Synodical Bishop Pedro Suarez, who was born in Venezuela. Our Parish Administrator, born under the Communist regime of Hungary. We have the blessed calling in our baptism to share the story of what it is to be a citizen of the kingdom of God. To be His adopted children. I sleep well in knowing that He is the one in control, and His purposes are pure and holy. They are also filled with an unconditional love for us. No matter how this election turns out, we can witness to the kingdom that is not of this world, yet hopefully of this nation. If not, we just hang on for another day, another four years, and most importantly, until our eyes behold the glory of the coming of the Lord.

Pastor Art