There is an obvious swell of emotion in the US today for the inauguration of our country’s 44th president. In watching the inauguration and considering some of the implications of this day I find myself thankful on many fronts. I want to highlight a few of them here. (note: As a Christian I obviously have substantial differences with the President on many moral issues, however, dissecting them is not intention of this post.)
- A finger in the eye to evangelicals: When George Bush became president many professing Christians looked at him as if he was some sort of lower-case ‘m’ messiah who would usher in the religious right’s agenda. Too often it felt like evangelicals were content with their king and forgot to long for the King. Obama comes in and the left is treating him just like the right did Bush 8 years ago. So I am thankful for the way in which this day exposes with vivid clarity the folly of imputing men and earthly governments with the type of hope, reverence, excitement and dare I say, worship, that is reserved for Christ alone.
- More Occassion to pray: This kind of goes with the first point. There are many issues that are on the hot plate now, not the least of them the issue of the life of the unborn. Now the burden seems heavier to pray and pray harder for the killing to stop. We (me!) might have been a little laxed before as we looked to men who professed to have the same views as ours to bring about such radical change. Furthermore, I am forced by virtue of the fact that I know this president and his staff need Christians to pray for him (I know this was the case before but it wasn’t in such bold font–call this immaturity on my part). I need to pray and keep praying for the president in light of 1 Timothy 2 that word of God might continue to be proclaimed freely in this country.
- The Racial Progress: This is obviously a major emphasis today. I dare say it cannot be overstated. Within the lifetime of many of the folks watching this inauguration an african-american could not have even been served a meal in public, much less receive the oath of president of the country! This represents great progress for our country in the area of racism. As this is more in line with God’s revealed will I am thankful.
- The Peaceful Transition of Power: As I watched the ceremony I was reminded afresh of the abundant grace of God in allowing this country to not have violence in the street as the power is wrestled from the current leader. Instead we have our outgoing president sitting respectfully, smiling, and affirming our new leader. This is a cause for thanksgiving.
- A Fresh and Vivid Reminder to Long for the King: All of these leaders and occassions are vivid reminders for Christians to anticipate and long for the coming King who is called wonderful (Is. 9.6). All of the noble ideals and grand plans pale in comparison to the treading down of all unrighteousness, the visible reign of the righteous One, the swelling emotional and theologically driven worship that will abound when the gloriously wonderful one will finally and gloriously reign. All current ceremonies serve to illicit a temporary smile that bids all to anticipate the returning King who’s government will have no end to its increase and no rival in its glory.