The mythical King Arthur was known as the “Once and Future King.” T.H. White, in his book by the same name, described a prophecy that Arthur would return when Britain needed him most. The legend of King Arthur seems to reappear quadrennially in American politics. Every four years each political faction seeks to persuade us that their candidate alone is the savior we need to rescue society from its troubles.
In 2008 Americans looked for “hope and change” in their newly elected president. Supporters spoke of him in nearly messianic terms, while opponents predicted doom. Today, on the other side of another contentious election, the same story plays out. On Election Day, Americans chose a “once and future president” to lead the nation. Half the population is optimistic that he will guide us into an age of prosperity, while those disappointed by the results feel anxious about the future.
Every election brings promises of hope and fears of disaster. Certain parties, policies and presidents are proclaimed as the only way to avoid catastrophe. Nevertheless, after the ballots are counted and a victor emerges, a divided nation always remains. Political disagreements turn friends into foes, split families, and leave a wake of broken relationships. Political leaders come and go, yet humanity’s deeper issues persist unthwarted.
The Bible does not give specific instructions for engaging in a constitutional republic, but it does urge us toward faithfulness in God and love for one another. As Christians, we pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2) and honor authorities as “ministers of God” appointed to govern according to his will (Romans 13). In obedience to God, we strive to follow the law, pay our taxes, and contribute to the common good (1 Peter 2, Titus 3, Matthew 22). Christians participate in the political process to fulfill Jesus’ command to love our neighbor, caring for the poor and upholding justice in ways that reflect God’s righteousness (Mark 12). We remain respectful toward our leaders, even when obedience to God requires we refuse to comply (Acts 5).
A key difference between a worldly outlook and an eternal one is how we view history. Politicians measure time in two- and four-year cycles, the Church in centuries, and believers with eternity in view. Some describe this as holding dual citizenship — one in our earthly nation and one in our eternal home with God. I think this analogy falls short. The Bible calls us sojourners and exiles (1 Peter 2), and Jesus reminds us that we “are not of this world” (John 17). Our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3). Although we should not sequester ourselves from society or neglect our responsibilities to our neighbor, the Christian worldview grounds us in a peace that surpasses all understanding — a peace the world can never give (John 14).
Earthly leaders come and go; their actions have only temporary effect, and eventually their plans will perish along with them. The Psalms direct us to place our hope and trust not in human leaders or governments, but in the one true God (Psalm 146). Regardless of the election results, we Christians rejoice because we are subjects of the Once and Future King — the one who is, who was, and who is to come: Jesus Christ, the Son of the living and triune God.
