Reacting to the results of the election!!!

I saw this off of my friend Jennifer's blog and wanted to share. The guy who wrote it is a pastor of a church. I was very impressed with it. I wanted to share!

Yesterday newspapers all over the world ran the story of President-elect Barack Obama's victory in the presidential election. People stood in lines for hours to obtain the front page story announcing America's first black president, what they are referring to as "a piece of history." The NY Times sold so many they ran two reprints through out the day. I saw one being offered on ebay for 600 dollars. While watching the news I saw a montage of people celebrating Obama's victory over John McCain from all over the world. People from Japan, Kenya, France, and in Palestine were rejoicing and calling him a harbinger of peace. Some have claimed that he has single-handedly resurrected the idea of America as a great nation to the international community. I don't think in my lifetime I have seen anyone lauded as a messiah-figure in this way.

Of course there are also those who are less than impressed by the results of the election. Some are appalled at his inexperience, and his stance on issues that matter deeply to them. Many have asked me what my thoughts are on the matter and specifically what a Christian's response should be to an elected Commander-in-Chief that they disagree with in principle and certainly didn't vote for. Allow me to let Paul to answer that question for me:


Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. 2 So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. Romans 13:1-2 NLT


The reality is that regardless of who you think was the right person for the job Barack Obama has been elected and that means God allowed it to be so. Daniel 4:17 says, "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He wishes." Even if you or I were praying for someone else to win before, now our prayers should shift towards the leader that has been appointed. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.

I will say, however, that the world's thirst for hope, and change, which many seemingly expect to be met by our next President, will surely be disappointed. And that wouldn't change even if it had been someone else who had won the election. The reality is the person who works in the funny shaped office at 1600 Pennsylvania can do a lot of things, and we should pray that they do them with wisdom and according to God's will, but they can't offer true hope or change to anyone. If you want to read the description of the One who offers lasting hope, peace and change to this world check this out:

And standing in the middle of the lampstands was the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were bright like flames of fire. His feet were as bright as bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was as bright as the sun in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one who died. Look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. Revelation 1:13-18 (NLT)

We shouldn't forget that Jesus is the only one who can bring lasting Hope to a life and Change to this country or any other one. He will return to this earth @ Worlds End and set all things straight. Until then don't be tempted to check out prematurely. We need to pray for our next president and all our leaders, not waste energy complaining that they are in charge. If the early church at Rome, that Paul wrote to, could pray for Emperor Nero and others who would persecute them than I think we have no excuse not to pray for our governing officials. And we need to stay focused on getting the gospel out like we truly believe we are living in the last of days. God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth and so should we!