One man’s voice

Congratulations to president-elect Barack Obama

Posted on November 4th, 2008 in On Politics, Personal Messages

History was made tonight. Put simply, a major shift has been made in the thinking and philosophy of the nation as a whole. We, the United States of America, have voted for someone that is not white.

While I cannot say that I am thrilled about the election of Mr. Obama as president I cannot help but be thrilled to be alive at a time like this. No, I didn’t vote for him. But it is still historic. It is still a great learning lesson for my kids. It is still an opportunity to pray for our leaders. And regardless of whether it was McCain or Obama I can feel good knowing I did nothing to elect him. However, he is my president so he is deserving of my family’s prayers.

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:1-4

I love how Timothy did not leave any wiggle room when he wrote this. He did not say that if you approve of the king, or agree with those that are in authority, or if you voted for the new president that you should pray for that person. No, he said that we should pray for, intercede for and make supplications for all people, kings and all those in authority. Make no mistake about it, president-elect Obama is a man in a position of authority.

I do not agree with him. And he was not my choice for president. And all of my children knew my position on Obama (Adriannah almost cried when they announced Obama was the winner - and they were not tears of joy). But I do want him to be saved. I want him to think in a manner consistent with how Christ would think when he makes decisions. To that end the first thing we did, as a family, when it was announced Obama had won, even as Senator McCain was giving his concession speech, was pray for Barack Obama, his family, his appointees, our congress and our country. That is what we are supposed to do, regardless of our feelings for the man. Have you prayed for him yet?

To my new president I have only this to say to you: Congratulations on shattering a line that has desperately needed to be shattered. Please use discernment, wisdom and conscience in office rather than partisan ideology. We have had more than enough of that.