Today is a day of immeasurable historical significance in the life of our country. The imagery in the photo above is powerfully symbolic of this significance. I have thought long and hard about what to say today, and this picture came to my rescue: It wonderfully captures the connection, succession, and the road of racial reconciliation our nation has traveled (and continues to travel). The relevance of the Lincoln Presidency to the Inauguration of Barack Obama must not be missed. Many historians believe that Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address was his most significant speech, even more so than the Gettysburg Address (but really, how do you measure such things). In reviewing it, one can see Lincoln’s brilliance. Moreover, I see his keen awareness of, and sense of dependence upon, the sovereign grace and mercy of God; both for himself and for his divided and wounded nation. On his conclusion, Lincoln challenges his listener (both then and now):
”With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”
You can read the entire speech here >>
I believe, on this day of all days, it is good for all of us to consider our ethical, moral, and spiritual, responsibilities as citizens of our country and as image bearers of our God.
So how can we do that?
Well, the Bible is pretty clear on this, there is one place we must start.
That is, to show proper honor towards him, and to pray for President Obama. Romans 13:1-7 speaks to our attitude (you can read and listen to it here). And 1 Timothy 2:1-4 speaks to our responsibility to pray for him (you can read and listen to it here).
There have been many good examples provided for us on the internet of how we should do this. I have selected a few of the better ones (at least to me) to include here today. For followers of Christ, these scripturally based prayers are an excellent way we can show biblical fidelity, demonstrate good citizenship, be promoters of peace, and show true support of our new President. All of which goes a long way in advancing reconciliation wherever it may be needed; in our personal lives, our churches, our nation, or our world.
I encourage you to offer prayer today for President Obama, and to pray for him every day it is brought to your mind.
So how does the Bible instruct us to pray for “all who are in high positions”?
Justin Taylor, of Between Two Worlds, outlines how these passages mentioned above—and others—inform us in how we should pray for our new President:
First we, we should approach our prayer with an understanding that,
1) President, Barack Obama will have God-given authority to govern us;
2) That we should view him as a servant of God (Rom. 13:1, 4);
3) And, to whom we should be subject (Rom. 13:1, 5; 1 Pet. 2:13-14).
Therefore . . .
We are to pray for President Obama (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
We are to thank God for President Obama (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
We are to respect President Obama (Rom. 13:7).
We are to honor President Obama (Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17).”
Al Mohler also has an excellent list to guide us in prayer for President Obama, read it here >>, and Pastor John Piper has a similar one worth considering, access it here >>.
There are many other ways you can pray for President Obama, use whatever you want; but, the most important thing is that you do pray for him—and all government authorities, today, and every day.
Blessings
3 John 8
Bill H.
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