Every generation thinks its own problems are unique and its decisions are crucial. In the United States, the national elections have taken on a surreal tone, as each major party views the other as the ultimate evil. The last time the country was so divided was likely just before the Civil War, with each side seeing its opponent’s as a harbinger of doom.

Today, the idea of a fair election is inconcievable. The idea that the vote should produce a good winner and a good loser, followed by a sincere handshake and a commitment to national unity, seems naive.

This is a crisis with little hope of resolution. Our almost 250-year experiment in democracy seems doomed. The democratic republic itself is on life support – it always depended on each side to be willing to lose gracefully and have faith in the system to produce a safe, fulfilling life for everyone. In fact, while it’s easy to claim there was cheating at the polls, gutter politics and technology make such cheating increasingly believable. Our elections have always depended on trust and faith to work, and these days, those are almost nonexistent. The clear presence of partisan censorship and lies from public agencies, politicians and even scientists and health officials make it tough to know what to believe.

So where are we going? I can’t imagine what real hope is available for the unbeliever. Optimism about the future of America has been replaced by either nihilism, or blind faith that science or societal progress will save the day. In truth, we’re groping in the dark. There’s no precedent to the long-term survival of a country in our condition. In fact, history shows just the opposite. Nations in our state have historically declined or even collapsed. There’s no beacon of hope… only the likelihood of a demagogue seizing control by convincing the mob he’s got the answer. Don’t ever forget that Hitler was a legally elected leader. Democracy per se is no guarantee of a good outcome. We have an electoral system, a Supreme Court, and even a Senate – with the number of senators not based on population – to guard against the “tyranny of the majority.”

For the believer, however, there is hope. This state of affairs was predicted long ago. Daniel stood before Nebuchadnezzar and told him exactly what was going to happen in the future of the world, not only with his kingdom, but for the major empires following.

This prophecy continued with the with Ezekiel, Joel, Isaiah, Jesus, John the beloved, and others. When we look at the state of the world around us, we see no hope in mankind. We are following a script, and it has not failed to accurately predict the future.

What’s coming? The Bible tells us things are going to get unbelievably grim, worse than they’ve ever been before. But God is faithful. This mess will be resolved with the arrival of the eternal King of Creation. This King will bring the perfect society that mankind has always longed for. He will wipe the tears from every eye and will usher in a revitalized, spotless world, starting with our hearts.

This King has a name. To the Jews he was Yeshua. We know him as Jesus. He was the Spotless Lamb, sacrificed to pay for the endless sins of mankind. He brings salvation to all who will accept him. And he will make the world right.

Today’s grim darkness will not be resolved at the polls. The Bible describes this present day of violence, death and destruction as the prophetic birth pangs that precede the End Times. Waves of evil will get worse and worse. If those days were not shortened, the Bible says, none would survive.

And then the King will come.

No offense to Donald Trump or Joe Biden, or any of those who present themselves as the answer to our problems. They are not the solution. This only ends with the Return of the King.

For the believer, our mantra is the Greek word Maranatha – come, Lord Jesus. In that day, there will be no inauguration parade. Instead, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess, that the King has returned, and Jesus is Lord.

#Maranatha! Hold on to this promise.