Suppose a group of us church folks went to the theater to see a movie. Suppose the movie portrayed a group of people that suffered through oppression, slavery, the denial of basic human rights, bigotry, and hatred. Suppose that as the story unfolded there were some from that oppressed group that actually became successful, even to the point that one was elected as president of the very nation that allowed, maybe at times even promoted the hatred. I contend that following the movie we would have discussions about the beautiful themes of hope, reconciliation, and redemption ... surely as thoughtful, Gospel-believing, and Christ-centered persons we would see and embrace those themes. We might even get teary-eyed reflecting on the story. Of course, we're just talking about a fictional movie! That stuff never happens in real life ... it's just fun to think about and discuss the possibilities.
Obviously it has happened in real life. Yet the tragedy is that for many Christians the conversations and discussions have centered on hopelessness, despair, fear, and division. Themes of redemption are fine as long as they are theoretical, but when it spills over into real life it can become very uncomfortable ... especially when it's not "our group" that is featured. I firmly believe that as we take a step back and look at the great big picture of what has just happened, we can see these glorious themes of hope, reconciliation, and redemption. God is surely to be glorified in this!
Now let me be very clear - I'm not an Obama supporter. I strongly disagree with his views on the sanctity of life, his economic policies, and his socialist agenda - strongly disagree. And I don't in any way mean to minimize the danger of what could happen if he were to have his way. I pray that God will change his heart. And if He doesn't then I pray that another candidate will beat him out in 2012. But there is a greater agenda than Obama's; there is a greater Kingdom than the USA; there is a greater hope and redemption than electing a black President. If this election can help this nation, the world, and the church catch a glimpse of the greater story of God's Kingdom and work of redemption then we must celebrate. I believe this is a real possibility ... but it will only happen by God's grace. Join me in praying for this.
hopeful,
Burt
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4 comments:
I hear what you are saying and I can go along with it. I pray that God will change his heart. But honestly, and this is going to make some folks mad, I'm really tired of hearing the race card being thrown around. For me the beliefs and values he holds dear overshadow the fact he is our nations first black president, whether I agree with him or not.
Good words.
Here are a few thoughts by Ligon Duncan:
http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2008/11/some-initial-thoughts-on-prayi.php
That's enough time on blogs...back to Hebrew. Quiz tomorrow...
Excellent words in the link Q posted. I think Burt and Mr. Duncan hit the nail on the head.
That was an excellent post. President Obama certainly brings a mixed bag to the presidency, some positives and some negatives. He needs,and deserves, our prayers as Paul commands us to pray for our leaders. He will not have an easy time, and his success or failure deeply (and selfishly) affects us all. He proclaims a Christian faith, albeit one that is quite a bit different than what some might consider as authentic, and on some issues I think is incredibly challenged.
As a country, we can be proud to have a black president, something even Europe (that progressive place that it is) hasn't had - but at the same time some questions about his Christian moral ethic in regards to abortion and marriage and personal responsibility will continue to trouble many of us.
He desperately needs, and, I would hope, covets our prayers, not as our first black president, but as a man who is our president.
And I hope that neither his success or failure is attributed to his race.
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