Where to go from here...

I'm sure most blogs will be focusing today on the election and the historic win of Barack Obama so I decided to join in the fun!  Over the past few months the election has dominated television, radio, and the printed newspaper.  It seems that over the past few weeks conservatives have seen the inevitable, that there candidate John McCain would lose.  And now while they wallow through depressed feelings and try to decide whether to head to Mexico or Canada I wanted to mention  a few of my own observations about the election;

1. I found it absolutely incredible to watch Obama's speech last night and see the jubilation on the faces of his supporters as they listened to him.  I saw tears, laughter, jumping in joyful celebration, and loud roars and applause.  Like him or not, Barack Obama inspires hope and excitement in millions of people.  I am interested to see if Change does take place in Washington.  I hope for his sake and ours that the parties can come together and fix some of the problems our country is currently facing.  

2. I don't think Obama is a bad man, a Socialist, or a  Muslim as some suggest.  I think Barack Obama is a fallen man, just like John McCain who desperately needs our prayers and support.  This past sunday the pastor at the church I attended (I was out of town, so this wasn't J.B.) spoke about respecting whatever man won this office.  How do we as Christians respect and honor a man that we  disagree with on so many issues? I see the historical context of Scripture as profound and challenging.  Think of the rulers when Paul wrote to respect those in authority over you (Romans 13)?  There was widespread persecution against the Christians and yet Paul commands them to respect their authorities?  Or what about Peter's command to honor the king (1 Peter 2).   Peter was writing at the same time Nero was ruling over the Roman Empire.  The same man that later used Christians as street torch lamps in Rome was supposed to be honored and respected?? Obama is a far far cry from Nero, yet the command is still the same for us today.  Responses like complaining, bad-mouthing our rulers or the situation reveals a lack of trust in God's sovereign plan.  We would all say that God is in control of the situation, so who would say that God can't mightily use Obama for good rather than evil? Not me. Let God's will be done.

3. As with every political campaign season whether presidential or not, I am reminded why I am apathetic with all things political; because in my soul I long for a monarchy.  That's right I long for a king who will rule in righteousness and justice.  Obama and McCain, Bush, Gore, Clinton, the name makes no difference they have and will continue to mess up because they are mess ups and I am a mess up.  I am hopeful that America will become a greater country, but frankly I'm pessimistic of that happening.  I'm pessimistic of any government ruled by sinful men of ever becoming great.  When Jesus Christ comes to rule in His Millennial Kingdom on this Earth, that will be greatness, a government that will bring Change.  That's why we should pray as Christ taught his disciples, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)  

Over the last eight years President Bush has been open about his faith and relationship with Jesus, and we as Christians seemed to respect him and urge one another to pray for him, that God would give him guidance in the decisions he makes.  In I Timothy 2, Paul says, "First of all then I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority."  Lets be faithful to do that for Obama, no matter his race, party affiliation, or religion, knowing that He needs God's guidance now more than ever... 

To live is Christ,

Jay Felker