Vote. Be a good steward of the freedom to do so. Write it in, mail it in, pull a lever, or push a button. Regardless of the manner you vote, please remember that a greater election has already occurred. The God of all creation reached from perfection into our imperfection and elected to send His only begotten Son to bear the full punishment of our sin—so that we may be in fellowship with Him.
Throughout print, social media, and broadcast media, numerous arguments are made to “evangelicals” by “evangelicals” on the dangers of voting for Trump.
While ministerial malpractice from pulpits lead many in pews (and now Zoom pews) into a doctrine of appeasement, risk aversion, and “can’t we just all get along,” the message of the Gospel suffers. As erudite clergy lay out term papers on the biblical basis for not voting for Trump, a powerful voice of clarity and experience of the Gospel recently came from an unexpected source.
“I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” stated the booming voice of Rush Limbaugh to tens of millions as he gave an update on his fight with stage-four lung cancer. For those watching on the “ditto cam” there was no dour expression, despair, or defeatism as the iconic radio broadcaster openly shared the foundation of his faith.
“It is of immense value, strength, confidence. That’s why I’m able to remain fully committed to the idea that what is supposed to happen will happen when it’s meant to,” Limbaugh further added.
In one short monologue on his vast broadcast, Rush Limbaugh did what many clergy often fail to do—he modeled what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57:
“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Few, if any, associate Rush Limbaugh with theologians. But theologians are simply those who study what all of us can experience fully—the redemptive work of Christ in our lives. Once doing so, we can then, even as Limbaugh modeled, discuss and face death with the assurance of our hope in Christ.
That’s the Gospel.
Well known ministers are using Scripture to sway the votes of their flocks or whomever would listen. They would better serve this world to stop pointing at the “orange man” and instead point to the crucified man.
Vote. Be a good steward of the freedom to do so. Write it in, mail it in, pull a lever, or push a button. Regardless of the manner you vote, please remember that a greater election has already occurred. The God of all creation reached from perfection into our imperfection and elected to send His only begotten Son to bear the full punishment of our sin—so that we may be in fellowship with Him.
In the face of that redemption, death has indeed lost its sting.
Uncounted millions before us understood this. Reformers clung to this truth while burned at the stake. Millions of those with horrific conditions—and their caregivers— grasp this truth even with tears flowing from their eyes. It is a peace that “…transcends all understanding,” and is available to each of us regardless of who receives our vote.
Don’t simply take my word for it. Just ask Rush Limbaugh.
Peter Rosenberger is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program, Hope for the Caregiver. Now in his 35th year as a caregiver for his wife, Gracie, who lives with severe disabilities, Peter draws upon his vast experience to strengthen and encourage fellow caregivers. www.hopeforthecaregiver.com
