No King But Jesus
Why my protest was less about Trump, democracy, and America and more about the Kingdom that won’t collapse.
Okay, confession time: This past Saturday, I went to a No Kings rally that was held locally.
Before you judge me, positively or negatively, I want to share a few observations that explain why I went and what I was hoping to say by being there.
1. I wasn’t protesting Trump as a person.
It won’t shock anyone who knows me that I disagree with Donald Trump on many/most things. But I didn’t show up just to oppose a man. I went because I want to see any president, Trump included, live and lead in ways that reflect the compassion, humility, and justice of Jesus. I want to see all leaders value the Imago Dei in every person. I want every leader to be better versions of leaders, day after day after day.
Yes, there will always be disagreement as it regards policy. But when cruelty or dehumanization becomes acceptable, that’s a line I believe we should all be willing to speak against.
My sign quoted Proverbs 31:8–9, which advocates for this very thing:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
That’s what I was there to do. That’s why I spoke up.
2. I wasn’t protesting to “save democracy.”
I’m grateful to live in a democracy. The very fact that I could attend a protest without much fear of reprisal is a gift of this form of government. But I didn’t show up to defend America’s political system. My concern goes deeper than that.
If democracy were to collapse and be replaced by a monarchy, dictatorship, or some other system, my sign would still say the same thing. My hope isn’t in a government structure. My faith is not so flimsy as to need a government or nation to sustain it. No, my hope is in God’s Kingdom.
There is no king but Jesus. And my call, regardless of who sits in power or how they got there, is to advocate for human dignity and flourishing in His name.
That’s not to say I don’t care about the direction of the country or even the system of government we employ. I care deeply about those things. But my faith isn’t tied to the survival of the United States or even to the continuation of democracy. Christianity is older than America and will outlast it.
My prayer isn’t “God, preserve this nation.” It’s “God, let your Kingdom come, and your will be done here like it is in heaven.”
3. Our methods matter.
This may be the most important point.
At the rally, I saw plenty of “F**k Trump” signs; angry, profane, even cruel. And to be clear, I’ve seen plenty of “F**k Biden” and “Let’s Go Brandon” signs in other contexts.
Here’s the thing: No matter who we support, those messages don’t belong in the mouths of people who claim to follow Jesus.
Opposing bad policies is not just allowed, it’s necessary. But we’re still called to love our enemies, not dehumanize them. If we want to see better leadership, then we need to model it. We must not abandon the ways of Jesus in pursuit of what we think is the will of Jesus.
That doesn’t mean quiet compliance. Christians have a long, faithful tradition of civil disobedience: nonviolent, Spirit-led, and deeply disruptive in all the right ways.
As Dr. King said:
“Noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good.”
So no, I’m not calling for anyone to “tone it down” or be more “civil.” That kind of tone-policing was weaponized against civil rights leaders too. Sometimes peace is loud. Sometimes it gets in the way. But it always reflects the character of Christ.
Final Thought
I love being in this country. I’m thankful for the freedoms we have. But my ultimate allegiance is not to a nation, a flag, or a party. I want leaders who value the vulnerable. I want policies that protect the poor and uplift the voiceless. And I want my life, my voice, and my protest to reflect the heart of Jesus.
So I’ll keep praying for our leaders, for our systems, and for our neighbors.
But more than anything, I’ll keep praying this:
“Your Kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth, as it is in heaven.”
No king but Jesus.
Thank you for being bold in your faith and being open! While I don't agree on politics I do very much agree with Kingdom principles first. That He be the guide to our path, lamp to our feet. We miss you in New Jersey and I'm grateful for you! Keep preaching and when necessary use words.