Barrack Obama has ascended to the greatest seat of power in the world – the President of the United States of America. The ascension came with the sacred rituals given all presidents wrapped in an atmosphere of splendor with the praise of millions.
The public grandeur of the Presidential Inauguration was awe striking. Then following his oath of office, the private moments of President Obama walking into the Oval Office, assuming his new duties in the world’s most renowned political office, was breath taking.
As we see our new President carry out his role before a watching world, we might forget his humanity. We might think that with the pomp and circumstance of his rise, he is no longer human, but has been transformed into a tireless machine of power and influence.
Beyond the pageantry, President Obama is just like you and me. Throughout his future presidency, there will be public and private moments that display his humanity. Although he is President, he is also a husband, father, and son. In these roles, he will experience times of happiness and sadness, attention and isolation, success and failure.
Across the landscape of history, there was only one great world leader who never had to ascend to power, but always had it and still governs today. He is history’s only leader who was fully human and fully God. In His humanity, He grieved the death of a friend, was misunderstood by the public and betrayed by His friends. In His deity, He forgave sins, raised the dead and healed the sick. Who is this? Jesus. He is the Great King. He is the King of all Kings and President of all Presidents.
There is one person who is above all world leaders - Jesus. There is one person that can be looked to for wisdom and understanding by us all, including President Barrack Obama - Jesus. Jesus said about Himself, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (The Bible, John 14:1).
May we exalt Jesus above all and put our trust in Him alone, the Great King. May He be our hope for today.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
A New Start
As a sunrise means the start of a new day, so January means the start of a new year. Our world is filled with examples of new starts. The toss of a coin on a football field is the start of a new game, a wedding is the start of a new marriage and the birth of a child is the start of a new life. Examples are all around us in every sphere of life. They can teach us a few things.
First, a new start teaches us about perseverance. Life can make you weary. It can make you feel like giving up telling yourself, “I can’t do this anymore.” However, January can be a new start. Will you give up or accept that last year is gone and renew your commitment to give your best and keep pressing onward?
Second, a new start teaches us about opportunity. January shouts saying, “Hey, it is a new year. What are you going to do with it?” You may have an opportunity to begin a new career, help someone who is in need, or fulfill a lifelong dream. Will they come and pass you by or will you seize them?
Third, a new start teaches us about the grace of God. As a New Year’s Day is the chance to begin a new and better year, so the grace of God is a chance for you to begin a new and transformed life.
Like you have done nothing to bring about a sunrise or a new year, so you have done nothing to bring about the grace of God. What is this amazing grace? It is a form of God’s love shown to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that provided for the forgiveness of sins of all humankind.
As January is a start to a new year, Jesus Christ can be the start of a new life for you. Through Him, you can become a new person. Receive His grace by turning from your sin and receive your hope for today and all of 2009.
First, a new start teaches us about perseverance. Life can make you weary. It can make you feel like giving up telling yourself, “I can’t do this anymore.” However, January can be a new start. Will you give up or accept that last year is gone and renew your commitment to give your best and keep pressing onward?
Second, a new start teaches us about opportunity. January shouts saying, “Hey, it is a new year. What are you going to do with it?” You may have an opportunity to begin a new career, help someone who is in need, or fulfill a lifelong dream. Will they come and pass you by or will you seize them?
Third, a new start teaches us about the grace of God. As a New Year’s Day is the chance to begin a new and better year, so the grace of God is a chance for you to begin a new and transformed life.
Like you have done nothing to bring about a sunrise or a new year, so you have done nothing to bring about the grace of God. What is this amazing grace? It is a form of God’s love shown to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that provided for the forgiveness of sins of all humankind.
As January is a start to a new year, Jesus Christ can be the start of a new life for you. Through Him, you can become a new person. Receive His grace by turning from your sin and receive your hope for today and all of 2009.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A Lasting Hope
Where is the hope? Between the financial crisis and multiple natural disasters, the majority of American's have been affected. Then throw in our transition to a new President, the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and disturbing events in our communities and families it is understandable why some would wonder.
I define hope as something you need when you are in a situation beyond your control. Your determination, education, passing of time, money and position do not solve your problem. You feel that if there is going to be a solution, it must come from outside yourself.
Christmas is the annual worldwide celebration of the birth of Jesus. From the time of His birth in the first century to the people of today, His birth continues to inspire hope.
His birth was marked with many supernatural events. On one occasion, a heavenly angel spoke to His earthly father, Joseph, about his soon to be wife, Mary, saying, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matt. 1:21)
That divine mission was the hope of all humanity. It was to provide a way for people to be saved from their sin. Why is that hope? Because sin is at the root of hopelessness. The curse of sin, the sin of others and our own sin. Physical death, sickness and disease are all part of this curse. Divorce, drunkenness, lying, greed and sexual immorality may be sins that you or people in your circle of family or friends have been guilty of. It has affected all of us bringing chaos or complete destruction to our lives or to those whom we love.
Jesus birth, His eventual death and resurrection have made a way that we can have real hope. Whether the trials we go through are of our own making or from the hands of others, we do not have to carry the burden anymore. When we turn from trying to save ourselves and in faith call upon Jesus, we discover the lasting hope of Christmas. May you receive His hope this Christmas season.
I define hope as something you need when you are in a situation beyond your control. Your determination, education, passing of time, money and position do not solve your problem. You feel that if there is going to be a solution, it must come from outside yourself.
Christmas is the annual worldwide celebration of the birth of Jesus. From the time of His birth in the first century to the people of today, His birth continues to inspire hope.
His birth was marked with many supernatural events. On one occasion, a heavenly angel spoke to His earthly father, Joseph, about his soon to be wife, Mary, saying, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matt. 1:21)
That divine mission was the hope of all humanity. It was to provide a way for people to be saved from their sin. Why is that hope? Because sin is at the root of hopelessness. The curse of sin, the sin of others and our own sin. Physical death, sickness and disease are all part of this curse. Divorce, drunkenness, lying, greed and sexual immorality may be sins that you or people in your circle of family or friends have been guilty of. It has affected all of us bringing chaos or complete destruction to our lives or to those whom we love.
Jesus birth, His eventual death and resurrection have made a way that we can have real hope. Whether the trials we go through are of our own making or from the hands of others, we do not have to carry the burden anymore. When we turn from trying to save ourselves and in faith call upon Jesus, we discover the lasting hope of Christmas. May you receive His hope this Christmas season.
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