United
President-Elect Obama will indeed be everybody's president.
On Tuesday, Americans went to the polls, and when the votes were counted, Sen. Barack Obama was elected to become the 44th president of the United States.
The Bible addresses our support of government leaders as well as national harmony when it encourages us through the words of the Apostle Paul, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Because Obama will be the first African-American to hold that high office, many Americans have called this election historic. There was widespread celebration among people who had voted for him and special jubilation in black communities across the country, but even many supporters of his opponent, Sen. John McCain, likewise recognized that a profound shift had taken place in America. We practice the words of God when we offer thanksgiving on behalf of our fellow African-American citizens.
In his gracious concession speech, Sen. McCain urged all Americans, including those who supported him, to join him in not just congratulating Obama, “but offering our next president our goodwill and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.”
In his victory speech, President-Elect Obama addressed those who had not supported him, saying, “And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.” We practice the words of God when we offer prayers and respect to our government leaders, no matter what party affiliation they promote.
This election was historic for other reasons as well. A record number of young voters were galvanized by both candidates. Many thousands of new voters were registered, and many of them will likely continue to participate in the political process. We practice the words of God when we remain active and informed in our democracy, engaging fellow citizens in healthy debate and communicating our needs and concerns to our leaders in a respectful manner.
President-Elect Obama will indeed be everybody’s president – not just the liberal, or the poor, or the African-Americans, or the democrats. Because God calls everybody to unite in responsible citizenry and he calls Christians to acknowledge the rule of government that brings peace and stability to our land.
PRAYER: O God, please help us to live in peace and harmony as we honor and obey our government leaders. Bless and guide our newly elected president that he may constantly work for the good of all people in the nation. Grant him wisdom, courage, insight and the ability to get things done. Help all who serve our nation to work for the common good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.