Tomorrow is the inauguration of our 44th President Barack Obama. The new president carries the expectations of millions of Americans seeking change. He is riding a wave of optimism and idealism in a country desperate for a reason to hope. The ascendency of a black man to the most powerful office the world holds special significance given the long and terrible history of racism in this country: through slavery to Jim Crow to the Civil Rights movement, and even through today. When he takes that oath, Barack Obama represents a new page being turned in the American narrative, a new chapter in a story being written now.
Despite the political and policy differences, I think that Obama has a chance to be great. He has a the opportunity to achieve great things in a moment of crisis in American history. Winning a landslide election, he will wield great power and rule with a strong mandate. He has the intellect and political intuition to govern in a popular, centrist, and judicious way. He understands that despite the historic nature of his election, he must tackle real problems immediately.
For all the things that President Obama has going for him, he must remember his place in history, and maintain the humility to continue to seek for wisdom and guidance from a source from above. I am greatly encouraged to read that he is seeking a church home in Washington. Visiting Nineteenth Street Baptist Church (which is actually on 16th St., for you Washington area residents), soon to be President Obama received a special message from Pastor Derrick Harkins.
Pastor Harkins used the story of Esther to encourage the President-elect to recognize the special position he is in and to encourage him to be like Esther who had the attitude of seeking to do God's work, even at potential the cost of her life.
I just love the book of Esther. It holds particular significance in our time, as Christians have the temptation to retreat further and further from the "culture" of society. Esther 4:14-16 says
(Mordecai speaking)
14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
God's work will be done, whether we are on board or not. It is our unique privilege to use what we have been given in our gifts, profession, and position in this world for His glory. As we look forward to a new President, I hope and pray that Barack Obama will heed these words and recognize the special position he is in. I hope that he will seek justice and love mercy. To use his intellect and to seek the wisdom of God. Barack Obama carries responsiblity for leading and the burden of a nation with many problems. Let us pray he will have the strength and wisdom to be a good steward with the opportunity he has been given.
** UPDATED 1/23/09**
Some thoughts on the inauguration prayers by some prominent Christian thinkers
AMEN to this prayer for President Obama!
