Yesterday, the American people voted in a new president – Barack Obama. Winds of change are in the air and there is a lot of anticipation about what kind of leadership Obama will bring to his nation.
There is no doubt that he is a charismatic speaker who has captured the attention of people from all sectors of society. The challenge for Obama now is to try to turn around a nation that is in crisis financially and in regard to its place in the world arena.
Regardless of our personal thoughts about Obama, we need to pray for him – that God will give him wisdom to lead America.
The apostle Paul put it this way back in the first century under the rule of the Roman Empire …
"The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we've learned: that there's one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us — Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free. Eventually the news is going to get out." [1 Timothy 2:1-7. The Message Bible]
P.S. For full election coverage from the USA click here. For local coverage from the Herald Sun click here or from the Melbourne AGE click here.
P.S.S. To watch Obama's victory speech, click here. It is in three parts and is over 20 minutes long, but it is well worth a listen. Click here to listen to John McCain's speech. He was very gracious in defeat.
Will do Mark!
What an inspirational speech. It actually went for 20 minutes (25 if you watch them all just hanging out at the end) over three parts. And not once did he refer to a piece of paper. He is such an eloquent speaker who really seems to speak from his heart. If ever there was a man who could change the culture of America, and make some positive changes, it would be him. I pray for his protection often as I can imagine there is a long list of extreme people that do not want him in office.
Obama, looks like a good man, and a breath of fresh air. I hope his idealism prospers – and that he can make a real difference.
McCain also has my respect. His speech in defeat was gracious. He also may have made a great President.
Both good choices at a critical point in history.
Obama seems like a dedicated father and America has spoken on whom they want as their President. I couldnt help but think that when his wife joined him on the podium and kissed him – the look she gave him – it seemed to be one of “our lives are really going to change”. And I am sure he was wishing his grandmother could have seen that moment. (just my little thoughts that are probably wrong!)
Not taking away anything from his win; my observation was that he was the more popular candidate and not necessarily because of his policies. Obama did get more coverage than McCain. McCain being older I believe may have more to offer in terms of experience. Just thinking of myself and how much I have learnt in two years about people etc. McCain has many more years of experience. He was portrayed as grumpy – maybe he is, but it isnt a motivational speaker who needs to lead America.
McCains speech in defeat was gracious and very eloquent. (and Jumping In post – I think Obama wasnt reading a clear screen teleprompter).
Obama will do great things as President, but so would have McCain.
Actually Lou, I don’t think McCain would have been a good choice for president at all. If his choice for Vice President is any indication of his judgement, I shudder at the kind of judgement he would show as president. To choose such an inexperienced person to stand by you as you try and tell America you’re going to turn things around was very poor planning. Obama may not have the wisdom of years on McCain, but he seems to at least have his finger on the pulse of what America needs. Throughout McCains campaign there wasn’t much talk about the “how” he was going to turn things around, and we didn’t really get to hear much passion from him. In fact, I think he would have been pro-war like Bush has been for the last 8 years. Just my humble opinion….sorry I just couldn’t pass up an opportunity to say I really didn’t like McCain at all.
The elected leader of any community – be it a church, a city, a state, or a nation – leads only at the consensus of the people of that community; whether it is earnt by force of arms, wealth, deceit & manipulation, “the common good”, and/or “divine right”.
Hence while a leader may lead their group, the group must still choose to follow them – and in doing so, direct the path they take.
It follows then, that it is not sufficient to merely pray for the wisdom of the leader, but also for the group itself.
I have no doubt that Moses, the biblical Judges & prophets who followed him, the annointed Kings, the Apostles, and every God-fearing leader would have prayed (if in vain, sometimes) for the wisdom of those they led.
We are fortunate that men like Barack Obama and Kevin Rudd are in positions of leadership because they profess to follow to the best of their ability the leadership of Christ; the One True King, the One True Leader of mankind.
But that doesn’t let the rest of us who share the same “profess-ion” off the hook. We also share the same burdens, and the same responsibilities, of the world we live in as they do.
The elected leader of any community – be it a church, a city, a state, or a nation – leads only at the consensus of the people of that community; whether it is earnt by force of arms, wealth, deceit & manipulation, “the common good”, and/or “divine right”.
Hence while a leader may lead their group, the group must still choose to follow them – and in doing so, direct the path they take.
It follows then, that it is not sufficient to merely pray for the wisdom of the leader, but also for the group itself.
I have no doubt that Moses, the biblical Judges & prophets who followed him, the annointed Kings, the Apostles, and every God-fearing leader would have prayed (if in vain, sometimes) for the wisdom of those they led.
We are fortunate that men like Barack Obama and Kevin Rudd are in positions of leadership because they profess to follow to the best of their ability the leadership of Christ; the One True King, the One True Leader of mankind.
But that doesn’t let the rest of us who share the same “profess-ion” off the hook. We also share the same burdens, and the same responsibilities, of the world we live in as they do.