This week, Isaiah paints a portrait of Cyrus, a Persian king during the Jewish exile, as a Messiah (anointed one) because Cyrus is restoring the prophet Isaiah’s people to their homeland. Nothing for Isaiah is outside the domain of the Lord of all creation. The Jews, 600 years before Jesus, learned in exile to trust God in painful circumstances. Even a king who does not worship the one true God is an instrument for divine purposes. Isaiah’s prophecy likely informed the apostle Paul’s attitude toward the Roman emperor.

The followers of Jesus in Thessalonica were persecuted because they did not revere Emperor Claudius as the highest power, but instead insisted that Jesus Christ is Lord. Paul encouraged the faithful to pray for the authorities and not disrespect them, even as they nonetheless confess Jesus as Lord.

In the Gospels, (Matthew 22:15-22) Jesus taught that government has an important function but that our loyalty belongs to God who holds us securely. In our day we may apply Jesus’ teaching as an invitation to contribute to and participate in government even as we unwaveringly proclaim that Jesus is Lord in word and deed. Our truest life is not dependent on political operations and practices, but solely upon the abundant grace of God.

Whether we perceive government as friend or foe, we can faithfully participate in governmental decisions by voting, by communicating with legislators about issues related to care for the least among us, by paying our taxes, and even by running for office if so inspired. Once we have done these things, our faith in Christ gives us courage to let go and trust that God is at work and will hold us in a peace which will never disappoint.

Early in November, whether a chosen candidate is elected or not, we do well to let it go. Our truest life does not depend on a candidate. When the policies of legislatures, courts, governors or presidents go against our preferences of compassionate justice for the least as Jesus called us to practice, we have done what we could do (of course, we can keep sending emails, letters and phone calls); and then it is time to trust and move on living freely in the mercy of Christ.

No reason for fear! US politics will not hasten “the end of the world.” Do not fret over the perception of evil at work in the world today. Jesus is Lord. Not Caesar! Not one or another political party. Jesus is Lord. The unifying, courage-bestowing compassionate presence of God is what holds this universe in perfect peace, and nothing human can invalidate that. Granted, the peace of Christ is not a guarantee that we will not experience pain and discomfort. Meditating on that peace will help us resist the temptation to trust in human power instead of Jesus, as Lord.

To be clear, Jesus is Lord because Jesus surrendered fully and absolutely to God and God’s Spirit moving in creation, despite extreme human resistance. Jesus’ reign of self-sacrificing love will never end. His love continues in us. Jesus is Lord!!