5 Reasons I am thankful during Barack Obama’s Inauguration

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.)

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Possibly Related posts:

1. My King Won’t Bow
2. Some Help for Rick Warren, questions that I would ask Obama and McCain tomorrow night
3. Prayerlessness…our truce with the world
4. Never Forget Who Christ Really Is
5. Be Courageous Mr President!

9 Responses to “5 Reasons I am thankful during Barack Obama’s Inauguration”

1. clyde says:

   January 20, 2009 at 3:30 pm

   i think it’s funny that many evangelicals would say, “God is in control” after the elections. Many would not say that if McCain had won, which is a grievous mistake. The Republican candidate is typically a messiah… a savior to the some.
2. Tom says:

   January 20, 2009 at 4:47 pm

   Thanks Erik. Good words. Lisa and I were able to watch the inauguration after Bible study. I had just taught on Ephesians 3:6. May we all pray for Christ to return soon-whether the president is republican or a democrat.
3. David says:

   January 21, 2009 at 2:02 am

   I had quite a bit of an odd feeling during most of the proceedings I watched. Although the prayers offered to open and close the time were not always focused on the glory or will (or even supremacy and singularity of the Lord), the name of Jesus was announced… to millions. In those moments, I could not help but think that I was a witness:
   – A witness to history: This may possibly be one of, it not the, last times the name of Christ will be openly, publicly, nationally proclaimed.
   – A witness for history: In regard for the souls that in those moments meditated on the denial of such a God (or god, to them…), and souls that think they are children of God, but truly have no part with Christ, I thought: I’m a witness for the history, of a time when a group of mankind stored up for themselves: wrath.

   Also: your point #1, I can also echo. It is a very sad thing to my heart to see and hear a Christian ‘culture’ put a mere man, who may or may not even be a believer, up onto such a pedestal as only Christ should be put. We pray to one God, through Him who alone has all authority.

   I also got excited during the proceedings, because it made me think more and more about the Kingdom, and prayer for the King’s return.
4. Scott Christensen says:

   January 21, 2009 at 10:39 am

   #4 strikes me as well. I have been doing a fair amount of reading on the founding of our nation. The struggles we went through sorting out the balance of power during the constitutional convention; the struggle between those that advocated state’s rights versus a strong central government and how the whole ethos of the presidency developed (largely due to the honorable conduct of George Washington) is unique in political history and has laid a foundation for the most stable government I think is imaginable in a fallen world. Given all our problems as a nation and all our concerns as respsonsible citizens opposed to policies of the new administration, we must be grateful to God that we still live in a peaceful nation where we can “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:2).
5. Erik says:

   January 22, 2009 at 11:34 am

   Clyde and David- Good to hear from you guys after India. It was great to serve together with you guys over there. Hope things are well back in CA.

   I appreciate your thoughts here also. We must continue to integrate our theology of God’s sovereignty and Christ’s glorious reign into our newspaper headlines.
6. Sergio says:

   January 22, 2009 at 12:39 pm

   Well said IC! I’m becoming a fan
7. Pulpit Magazine » Blog Archive » says:

   January 22, 2009 at 5:44 pm

   [...] speaking of Obama (though in a different context), Erik Raymond gives 5 reasons why he is thankful for President Obama’s [...]
8. Steve says:

   January 23, 2009 at 2:10 pm

   I enjoyed your post. I also have some areas where I strongly disagree with the views of the President and administration, particularly about the rights of the unborn. I agree with you that we need to pray sincerely for President Obama. I also believe that the biggest issues in our society don’t really have a political solution. Our best response is to continue to introduce light in to the darkness by sharing the Good News of Jesus.
9. Obamanation « mikescape says:

   January 28, 2009 at 4:55 pm

   [...] All that said, there are reasons to be very optimistic and joyful, even over the next four years.  And if you need help coming up with reasons to be thankful for Obama’s inauguration, I give you Erik Raymond’s “5 Reasons I am thankful during Barack Obama’s Inauguration” [...]