It was the beginning of October 1983. Missy’s dad, Dan Yeary, was in his study at the University Baptist Church in Coral Gables, Florida where he served as pastor. The private phone line on his desk rang—the only people who had that number were his wife, his children, and the church administrator—so Dan knew this was an important call. When he answered, he was surprised to hear a stranger’s voice. The stranger turned out to be the lead Secret Service Agent on President Reagan’s detail. “Hello Pastor Yeary,” the agent said, “this is just a courtesy call. The President has taken note of your congregation and would like to come and worship with you on the 23rd of this month. This will be an unannounced visit, which means we will not have to set up metal detectors in your foyer. But you need to keep this information confidential.” Dan replied, “That may be a problem. I am going to have to tell my wife. And she is going to tell others.” The agent said, “Do what you have to do. But please keep this visit a secret.” Within a few days, there was a newfound spirit of pride in the church. Sunday School classes planted new flowers. The smell of fresh paint filled the foyer. Choir rehearsals began to swell with new members.
On Sunday morning, October 23, Dan was again in his study, reviewing the sermon for the day. The private line rang. It was the lead Secret Service Agent again. “Pastor Yeary, this is just a courtesy call. There was a terrorist attack this morning on our Marine base in Beirut, Lebanon. The President is returning immediately to the White House to command our nation’s response. He will not be in worship at your church today.”
An hour after that second call, Dan walked onto the platform in the Sanctuary. The congregation had swelled to Easter Sunday, standing-room-only size. Dan said to the congregation, “I guess you heard we are to have a special visitor” which was met by a knowing chuckle. Dan continued, “I have bad news. There has been a tragedy across the world, and the President is not joining us today.” There was an audible sigh from the room.
It was the sigh that got to Dan. He said, “Wait a minute. Every week in this room we worship the King of kings and Lord of lords who is eternally enthroned over all creation! And you’re upset because a civil servant who holds office for four years will not be here?!”
Every election is billed as the most important in the history of our nation. In this election both political parties want us to believe that a vote for the other party might mean the end of democracy as we know it. And, the truth is: who we put into office does matter. The teams our leaders put into place do make a difference in our lives. At the same time, it is important for us to remember no matter who is elected President for the next four years, our King sits enthroned forever. And, ultimately the account we have to give is not for whom we voted, but whom we served. Serve Jesus.
Jesus told us to be “in the world but not of the world.” That is to say, we are to be ambassadors of Jesus’ love, mercy, grace, and truth. We are to be stewards of the truth of the Gospel. And if we do that, no matter who wins this election or the next or the one after that, we will rest securely in the hands of our Savior.
