On January 20, 2009 the world watched as the United States of America made another peaceful transfer of power when Barak Obama was sworn in as our 44th President. This inauguration was especially historic due to his race. On the very mall constructed in part by slaves, the son of an African immigrant became the world’s most powerful leader. The largest crowd ever to assemble for a Presidential inauguration packed the grounds. Some estimated that almost two million people attended.
After a night of rest and some time for reflection, a couple of thoughts come to mind.
First, there are many things right about America. You may not agree with a leader’s political stance but you are free to disagree and even speak your mind. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, independent, liberal, conservative, moderate, or progressive there are some things equally embraced by all. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave. We are a land of opportunity. And although the worst of our citizens normally dominate the news media our communities are filled with patriotic, hard working, law abiding citizens. There is a lot right about America. That was well illustrated by the news that not one arrest was made in Washington, D.C. due to criminal activity at the inauguration. As millions gathered to sing “Let Freedom Ring” the world saw that there are many things right about America. But think about this, with God’s blessings we can be so much better. Paul wrote to his son in the faith with this exhortation, “Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (I Timothy 2:1-2) Everything right about America is tied to God answering your prayers for those who are leading us. Don’t forget to pray for your leaders.
The second thought that came to mind was perhaps the most discussed. America elected the man they considered most qualified, not the person who was the correct race. In a world where prejudice reveals some of the worst in mankind’s character, much has changed in our land. Transport us back to 1960 and Barak Obama would not be allowed to eat at many lunch counters in the capital city. He would be required to sit at the back on the bus. Many would have considered him inferior simply because of the color of his skin. Go to any place on our planet and you will find some kind of prejudice putting people at odds with one another. Yet, nothing is farther from the nature of God than prejudice. James wrote, “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. …. Have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1, 4) As the Apostle Paul wrote the second letter to the Corinthians, he shared that his prejudiced eye was radically changed through his relationship with Christ. He wrote, “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh…” (II Corinthians 5:16) Before becoming a Christian, he measured up everyone according to the flesh. Are they a Jew? Are they a Pharisee? If not, they were nothing. But now, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17) Becoming a new creation even changes how you view God’s created ones.
0 comments:
Post a Comment