October 24, 2016

Don’t miss the moment.

In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the term “the first 100 days” to describe the efforts of the 73rd Congress – at that time, his legislative parallel branch – but the concept leaked across to measure his executive administration, recognizing the potency of performance by a President/CEO at the time when the power and influence of his/her position is greatest. To have that high capacity without a well-defined plan to leverage it risks a “miss” when everyone is poised to watch change happen.

While made famous in government, the concept has come into vogue within the marketplace, as well. You could spend 100 days reading the books, scanning the professional articles and watching YouTube presentations by consultants whose ongoing specialty is focused on the mystical 100 day leadership window. If you don’t take an early lead, coming out of your inauguration… it’s more likely that you’ll be a footnote rather than a headline when history includes your time in the corner office…

Right now, the American public is split in their political loyalties; less than 50% of the voting pool is committed to either major party candidate. A curiosity: there is a leadership belief shared by 58% of American evangelicals: the King of Kings will come back before 2050 (Pew Research).

The nominees for president always make bold and brash promises about what they’ll do once they’re in the White House. Lots of audiences; lots of addresses; lots of goodies on the payback list in return for the promise of their bucks or their ballots. Amnesia must be in the air in the Oval Office: the first 100 days – and, the 1360 days in the balance of their four year term – always unfold apart from the campaign, and the to-do list from the pre-election run-up goes into history’s self storage bin…

The King of Kings is coming back, and when He arrives, there are some things you can count on seeing. Here are a few of the high-points:

1. Everyone will see Him (Mark 13:26-27). The first event – ever – with truly global coverage will be the Second Coming. Explain it with satellite technology or the supreme authority of the Creator over His Creation, but it will happen: He will have a 100% audience for His arrival.
2. All opposition will be utterly defeated (Revelation 19:11-21). Delayed victory over His enemies is not a sign of God’s weakness; it portrays His patience and mercy, giving opportunity for more people to hear and respond to His grace and salvation (2 Peter 3:9). God wins.
3. Every human who ever lived will be resurrected (Revelation 20:4-6). The faithful will come to life, and exist forever in the Kingdom of God, with the Lord Jesus Christ in charge. Those who lived without conformance to God’s requirements will be exiled to judgment (20:11-15).
4. Everyone will be judged for what they’ve done (Revelation 20:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Those who rejected God’s salvation will be eternally condemned for their works; those who accepted the gift of God’s salvation will be eternally commended for their works.
5. He will destroy the fallen world and recreate a perfect replacement (2 Peter 2:8-16). The Paradise we long for will finally appear, the effects of sin and rebellion will cease to exist, and the family of faith will occupy eternity together, with their Savior (John 14:1-4).

I don’t know who will get the most powerful position in the world on November 8th, but I’ve already cast my vote for King of Kings, and His reign will never end (Daniel 6:26). Until He comes back, the Party of Righteousness will never be in power (2 Peter 3:13).

I can’t wait to see what Jesus will do in 100 days…

Bob Shank