Maybe your guy won. Maybe he didn’t. But either way, the inauguration of the 44th U.S. President is history in the making. The peaceful transfer of power, just as our forefathers envisioned. And on Jan. 20, we get to do that again.
Bob WeathersThe truth? My guy didn’t win. I disagree sharply with many of the policies and opinions of Barack Obama. Even so, he will be my President. And included in the freedoms that I enjoy is the freedom to disagree with the leader of the most powerful nation on the planet. And to do so in print. Without fear of reprisal.
But does that mean I just fold my hands and shake my head? Is that all I can do? No. Not at all. While my earthly citizenship is in America, I have a greater, higher citizenship that dictates my relationship to this, or any, President. I am a part of “a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9). And as such, I have been called to take action that reaches beyond the voting booth.
Prior to the November elections, both Billy Graham and his son Franklin conveyed to Obama that they disagreed with his support of abortion rights and his liberal view of gay marriage. Even so, however, Graham reported to the press, as his son explained, that he would like to meet President-elect Obama “and pray with him.”
In that, Graham, with wisdom informed by scripture and seasoned by years advising national figures, once again demonstrated that Christians can rise above partisan politics for the greater cause of serving Christ. Paul directed all believers, as a first priority, to pray for their national leaders at all times (1 Timothy 2:1-2). I may not agree with Obama, but in the halls of power my voice is heard in my prayers, as I set aside my agenda and elect to support God’s greater goals and his perfect will.
Sure, my guy didn’t win last November. But no matter. My Lord won long ago. In the manger, on the cross, and in the vacated tomb.
So just as I prayed for President #43, I will pray for #44.
Because I am proud to be an American. But I am called to be a disciple.