I write this poem on the eve of the 2020 election as a reflective, occasionally silly and exaggerated reminder to be grounded in my one true hope: Jesus and his unshakeable Kingdom, not in earthly politics (during these exaggerated times). I hope it’s a comforting reminder to you as well.
Yet, I have hope.
It could be that by this time tomorrow
We’ll all be drowning in sorrow.
Or by Thursday’s eve–as pundits have said
Our American experiment could leave us all dead.
Our government might go on (say the optimistic);
Or, like angry countries do–
Filled with mistrust and fake news–
The pessimists will say, “We’ll all split in two.”
Yet, I have hope.
Even if Democracy ends and within a year
Preaching Christ is illegal;
Or even if we continue on
And peaceful still flies the Eagle.
If, against all predictions–
We survive another four
And keep our wealthy privilege
To go start another war…
Yet, I have hope.
Not a hope in our greatness
Nor a hope in our soul,
Not even in our welfare
Or our ancient founding scroll.
I have hope in King Jesus
And his the more excellent way.
I have hope that his Kingdom
Even Hell could never sway.
Yet, I have hope
Because contrary to what we’re taught
Our Kingdom is not fraught with anxious expectation
But steadfast and sturdy and unable to be shaken.
Whether we live or fall,
Whether we rise to our great potential
Or show that all along we were playing with evil,
Whether we die tonight or die tomorrow…
Yet, I have hope.
Hear the words of our King:
“I say to you… Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:27-36).
