(The following is the April 30 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read John 19 and pay close attention to verses 6-16.)
Even though Pilate found no grounds for crucifying Jesus, the crowd insisted: “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!” (v. 12). Pilate presented Jesus, saying, “Here is your king!” (v. 14). They shouted, “‘Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Should I crucify your king?’ ‘We have no king but Caesar!’ the chief priests answered’” (v. 15).
Christians call Jesus King of kings and Lord of lords, and he is. But in our world where political leaders gather significant followers, including Christians, are we faithful and consistent in reserving our ultimate allegiance to Christ as King? Do we sometimes act and speak in ways that suggest our strongest loyalties are to political parties, politicians, or ideologies? When people hear us talk, read our social media posts, or see signs in our yards, do they know we have no king but Jesus, or might they believe our strongest passions are political?
There is nothing wrong with Christians being involved in the political process or holding offices at any level of government. We need godly men and women in leadership positions governing with a biblical worldview, integrity, respect for human life, and a desire for justice. Scripture commands us to respect those in authority over us and pray for them. But we cannot give our ultimate allegiance to political structures, individuals, or processes. Nothing and no one can usurp the passion in our lives that only the King of kings deserves.
Let us never be guilty of shouting the modern-day equivalent of “We have no king but Caesar.” May we express in word and deed daily, “We have no king but Jesus.”
Next Step:
Have your recent political conversations been Christ-honoring? Are others aware of your ultimate allegiance to Christ? Does your social media activity need adjustment to reflect your focus on Christ better?