The world has been fixated on the now new President of the United States, Barack Obama. People from Kenya, where Obama’s father grew up, danced in the streets as he was inaugurated. People in Obama, Japan took advantage of their city’s name and celebrated the new president’s inauguration. In countries all over Europe as well as in Canada people packed together into public places to view the historic events taking place in Washington. At our meeting of Classis Chatham that day, we paused at noon and got a live feed from CNN so we could watch Obama take the oath of office. It truly is an exciting time for the US in particular as well as for the rest of the world which feels the influence of the US.
Obama has run his campaign on a promise of change, a promise to change the way America deals with its own people and with the people and nations of the world. His speeches have inspired Americans to rally together under the motto “Yes We Can.”
The enthusiasm and excitement is hard to avoid. However, the expectations people have for this man (he is only a mere man after all) are so high that he is certain to disappoint many people in the days and years ahead. It makes me think about the difference between the cries of supporters Jesus had on Palm Sunday when they shouted, “Hosanna” and the cries of many of the same people just a few days later who shouted, “Crucify Him!”
I wish President Obama all the best, including a huge portion of wisdom from God, in ruling the USA and making decisions that will impact the far ends of the earth. But he will be certain to disappoint us in some way, shape or form. He’s not perfect.
There’s only one man who was and is perfect—Jesus Christ. And still people hated Him. But He gave His life so that we could know Him and live under His perfect rule. Jesus is the one who is “the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Heb 13:8). He alone is the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. He’s the one whose kingdom will increase and never end (Isaiah 9). And He’s the only one who can help us do all God has in mind (Phil 4:13).
Let us pray for President Obama to do well, to do great things for our world even. But let us not expect him to be the Saviour and Lord that only Jesus Christ is. All the kingdoms of this world—good and strong as they are for a time—will cease. But the kingdom of God will last forever.
-Rev. deLange
