gregmelia

Gordon met Gillian, now Dave’s just met Elizabeth. Mr Cameron is our new Prime Minister and the end of the world is nigh, or at least it is if you believe some people I know. In the age of slacktivism, facebook is littered with friends – even the Christian ones – “crying”, “afraid”, “mourning”, “doomed” … in a generally apocalyptic frame of mind. Horror of horrors, the hackneyed R.E.M. song is doing the rounds again.

Let me get this straight, I didn’t vote Tory on May 6th. I don’t entirely trust David Cameron. I certainly don’t look forward to the coalitions, bickering and cuts that will define the next couple of years. However, as Christians, shouldn’t we see all this from another perspective? David Cameron may have just gone to see the Queen, but I serve the King, who holds the world in his hands and who will still be on the throne long after the Cameron administration has been reduced to an historical footnote. Rulers and dominions may come and go, but I answer to a higher power. By him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Yes, the future’s unknown and yes, bad things will happen. Were I feeling particularly grim, I could quote from Luke 12: I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. However, I’ve got a better idea: let’s look on the brighter side. Whatever may come, we have a Lord whose house has many rooms, who will never leave us. To quote the psalms, The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will feel no evil, for you are with me. Whatever happens in the next few years, our place in God’s kingdom is assured. God is bigger than any government and he can fix anything they break.

Not convinced? Okay, let’s suppose for one moment that the prophets of doom are right. Margaret Thatcher was the antichrist, now Cameron’s coming in for the kill. This is, in fact the end of the world. Well, in that case, Jesus is about to return. There’ll be a new heaven and a new earth, every knee will bow down to the Lamb and he’ll wipe every tear from our eyes. If that’s our future, I think I’ll cope.

This article also was originally written for the SCM site at www.movement.org.uk.