HT to 22 Words. A wonderfully symbolic illustration.
I Timothy 2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. …8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
I Peter 2:13 For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 15 It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. 16 For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. 17 Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.
Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
The Internet Monk Archives 
Oh, Prop 8 passed. You can hear the screaming and foaming all over LiveJournal.
And it’s passage has been credited to Barack Obama. His election for the top spot brought about HEAVY black turnout, and the black community is very straitlaced when it comes to homosexuality. So is the “Hispanic/Latino” community (which in California means mostly Mexican). And the Arab community. All these subcultures have “hypermasculine” expectations for their males, which produces a visceral reaction against anything which lessens perceived masculinity. (Ain’t Multicultural Diversity fun?)
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John,
When I had gone to bed on election night, all the news casts said Prop 8 was defeated in a very close race. Apparently, by morning the vote tally said otherwise, and being depressed, I didn’t listen to any news broadcasts the next morning.
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In response to Ky boy:
Some may conclude it is just a matter of skin color. But it could also be argued that leadership consists of more than just a particular position on particular issues. If one only needs to meet A-B paramaters on chosen issues then a robot could lead the country. I suggest you attempt to broaden your definition of what it takes to be an effective leader to include vision and inspiration.
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What policies do millions black people (I am one) supposedly disagree with Obama? School vouchers? Blacks would have voted for Hillary in the same proportion over McCain — although about 1 million fewer of us would have voted. Until the GOP purges the racist elements in their party that are still a significant minority of the GOP, blacks will remain 90+% democrats.
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From all the way down here in Australia, I heartily second and endorse (wait, isn’t that a political word?) prayers for Obama, Biden and their respective families.
And not only them. But also Senator McCain, Governor Palin, outgoing President Bush and all of their families. And lastly, for the United States of America. Am hoping and praying that this doesn’t lead to any further culture wars and that the the people of the USA can unify and help by working their hardest and smartest so that the USA get its mojo back sooner rather than later. (wait, that might be an unfortunate choice of words… :p).
Pax.
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Fr. Ernesto
“Have you ever asked yourself why minorities who are so clearly against [Obama’s policies] voted for President-elect Obama?”
My wife works in a group of mostly minorities. This has been a discussion point for months. It boils down to the color of his skin trumps his policies for this election. Hopefully this will change for future elections.
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ACTUALLY, in California, there already was a gay marriage ban voted on in a previous year by the people, BUT the activist judges struck it down. It was Proposition 22 in 2000. So basically the people just reiterated their voice and await further rulings from the State Supreme Court oligarchy.
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I am a Democrat who supported and voted for Obama. I am a Christian and my trust(faith)is in God, and not man. I don’t look to government for spiritual leadership nor for moral laws other than the basic laws of the land..intended for good…and rooted in natural law (Ten Commandments). There already exists a legislated morality..the Law of God. The President and the political parties were never intended to be the Shepherd. The powers that be are ‘ordained’ of God and we are subject to them…for good. But everything that is legal is not of God. God gives man the authority to choose heaven or hell…..and government cannot legislate any law to change what God has ordained.
I feel compassion for the confusion and frustration felt by Americans disappointed by the outcome of the elections. I feel deeply for the grief and disappointment of McCain and Palin. It is no light matter to go through that kind of disappointment. Last night, I deeply felt Obama’s sober awareness of the place he has taken in history. I believe Obama is meant to be in this place in history….at this time…..to fulfill a purpose known only to God.
As Christians, we are better served to focus on the things that are good, lovely, and kind in our world…and on the unrestrained MERCY and BLESSINGS of God on this nation…’it rains on the just and the unjust.’
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Thanks for that Michael. I was thinking about those same Scriptures today. No matter our political persuasion, we are called to pray and honor our rulers.
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I’m not going to have an abortion debate in this thread. How another person votes is THEIR conscience.
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Brit, I’m going to take your word for it and re-read that book. It changed my everything two years ago; maybe it’ll work again.
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Karen’s comment on Prop 8 speaks to something I will probably be blogging about. Have you ever asked yourself why minorities who are so clearly against abortion voted for President-elect Obama? The African-American vote was 90%, the Hispanic vote 70%, the Arabic vote over 60% for Obama. Those same minorities tend to also be strongly against gay marriage, as Karen pointed out.
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I totally understand where you are coming from. Here in CA the voters struck down parental notification for minors getting an abortion and upheld gay marriage.
Correction: Actually, California’s Prop 8, which amends the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman, passed, eliminating gay marriage rights.
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Personally I am thrilled both that Obama won and that Prop. 8, the gay marriage ban, PASSED in California. Statistics show it was the Black vote that got this hotly contested proposition passed, with Whites voting more against it and Hispanics/Asians evenly split.
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I just bought a copy of The Cost of Discipleship for my mom. I read it over the summer, and it is worth the read. Mom doesn’t return books, which is why I bought her her own copy.
I’m so glad the Obama girls will get their puppy. 😀 *runs off to gloat some more*
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Michael-We, as Christians, have a special responsibility at this time. It is Christ and no one else that leads us. I feel we must be more determined than ever to be a people that live as if this Truth is truer than any other truth that may seek to assert itself, or tempt others to do so. This is a particularly prescient moment for every Christian to read Bonhoeffer’s “The Cost of Discipleshipâ€.
Amen amen amen.
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Another thought in response to the ongoing conversation…….
The American mythos is religious as well as idolatrous. On the one hand, it is responsible for awakening something within our ancestors that gave them the fortitude and courage to build one of the greatest nations that has ever existed. On the other hand, it has made us into a people that see our personal desires and accomplishments as synonymous with those of God. While it appears that we (I speak here broadly) glorify God and make him to be at the center of what we do, in reality we nullify his very being. We worship a golden calf, and call it God. This why so many of us no longer see the need to acknowledge God whatsoever. We are free agents and can do as we please.
My struggle in this election is to desire for others the blessings that have resulted from our birth into this country, while at the same time remaining absolutely clear of the traps that will be awaiting them. Is Obama the worst of what we can imagine? And if he is, is it possible he can rise above his weakness and become better than he is, even as other leaders in our past have?
We, as Christians, have a special responsibility at this time. It is Christ and no one else that leads us. I feel we must be more determined than ever to be a people that live as if this Truth is truer than any other truth that may seek to assert itself, or tempt others to do so. This is a particularly prescient moment for every Christian to read Bonhoeffer’s “The Cost of Discipleship”.
Every concern voiced here by others is mine as well. We must be vigilant and awake, but not lose hope that God can bring forth something good, even if it is beyond our imagination to do so. And if it goes the other way, we will be called to suffer for the sake of Christ.
God help us all.
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I agree. Though the electoral college was pretty lopsided, most of the percentages for each of the states were relatively close. If I recall, only Hawaii and DC were greater than 60/30 either way. Most of them seemed to be closer to 55/45 either way. — Obed
The Electoral College system tends to exaggerate minor differences in the popular vote into a clear winner. (Incidentally, where’s the DNC Activist cry for eliminating the Electoral College that was so loud after Indecision 2000?)
Historically, cases where the Electoral Vote put a President in office with a minority of the popular vote were when the popular vote was so close it was effectively a tie; at which point Electoral College acted as a tiebreaker.
I hope for the sake of the ENTIRE nation, that the Dems who’ve been elected don’t see the results as license to be extreme leftists. I think that would just cause a reverse of the pendulum in subsequent elections and further polarize the nation. The country’s more moderate and the leaders would be wise to realize this and act accordingly.
Does Ideology bow to Reality or does Reality bow to Ideology? Given the attitudes of Idealist-type generations (such as the Baby Boomers) throughout history, they will probably attempt to force Reality to bow to Ideology.
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Anthony,
I totally understand where you are coming from. Here in CA the voters struck down parental notification for minors getting an abortion and upheld gay marriage. All in all, the night was a total repudiation of many of the principles I hold dear.
Susan F, I am one of the ones you “can’t understand”
The man does not represent me, and I cannot and will not support many of the planks in his platform. I am not swayed by brilliant, sincere sounding rhetoric. What’s important is what he believes, what he has promised to do, and what his past record shows.
I will pray for him. I will also be diligently paying attention to possible opponents for 2012 and working to secure their election.
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anthony i want to commend you. that is the most respectful and christ like way i have heard someone respond and i respect you tremendously for your words and concerns
i’m praying for my sin and frustrations to my brothers and sisters who aren’t carrying their unhappiness in a way like yours
there are some alarming things and as michael said, even darker things that may come of this… again my faith is placed in the only God our savior, and i know that his will is done whether through Red or Blue. i am praying with you my brother in this time
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Both speeches by both candidates were extraordinary. McCain’s was incredibly gracious and Obama’s was inspiring. — Jason
Obama IS an inspiring and charismatic speaker. So much so I wonder if there’s any substance behind his speaking. (One of my father’s favorite expressions was “Only a Lawyer can talk for two hours and say absolutely nothing.”) And he’s able to work a crowd into such enthusiasm his fanboys are genuinely scary.
It’s almost like he has the Antichrist Mind-Whammy (TM) from the infamous Left Behind. (Which in itself is probably bad hack writing trying to describe that sort of charisma.) I’ve wanted to see a blind experiment where for his speech Obama just recited the names of the UN member nations in alphabetical order. Would we see the same (male) “VOICE OF A GOD, NOT OF A MAN!” and (female) “OBAMA! I WANT TO HAVE YOUR CHILD!” reaction to such an obviously nonsense speech?
And now that he’s in, he’s got to quit shaking the trees and start making jelly. Reality’s very resistant to good looks, charismatic speechifying, and vague wishful thinking, and I wonder if he’s relied on those too much in his life and career.
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To dovetail with REAL numbers what I wrote above, the popular vote with 97% in is 52/46 Obama. That really says something that all the politicians need to hear.
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I am a citizen of the European Union, but I married an American and our daughter has dual-citizenship. Therefore, I feel I had a right to follow what was going on during this campaign. Millions have done the same thing, just because America is the most powerful nation in the world.
I will pray for President-elect Obama, just as I prayed for Georges W. Bush and would have prayed for John McCain.
America has shown its ability to audaciously take new paths and to reinvent itself, with this almost unique sense of national destiny. I have no idea of what’s going to happen now under Obama’s leadership. I will certainly fail at times and be succesful at others, just like any other President before him.Anyway, our destines are not in his hands, but in God’s.
May God bless America (and the rest of the World).
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Fr. Ernesto wrote:
As one looks at the vote results, I would argue that one sees a nation that is moderate. It also means that many social conservatives voted for President-elect Obama.
I agree. Though the electoral college was pretty lopsided, most of the percentages for each of the states were relatively close. If I recall, only Hawaii and DC were greater than 60/30 either way. Most of them seemed to be closer to 55/45 either way.
I hope for the sake of the ENTIRE nation, that the Dems who’ve been elected don’t see the results as license to be extreme leftists. I think that would just cause a reverse of the pendulum in subsequent elections and further polarize the nation. The country’s more moderate and the leaders would be wise to realize this and act accordingly.
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Amen!
As a Christian I know with out a doubt that God is in control and only He knows the plans he has for us. I too was a big McCain supporter, but last night I realized that Gods plan was different than my ideals on the leadership of this Country. I am also at peace knowing that the Lord is faithful and will continue to bless this great Country of ours. “The Lord is my Sheppard and I shall not want†no matter who the President happens to be. We as Christians need to keep spreading the good news, keep expanding the Kingdom and submit biblically to our elected officials…Peace…Chris
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Last night was America at its best. The transition of power was peaceful. McCain’s concession speech was classy and gracious and humble. Obama’s acceptance speech was historic and inspiring. I could look up to and admire both candidates last night.
And I agree the election showed that our nation as a whole is moderate and has the ability to self-correct when those in power swing too far in any given direction.
I prayed for all the candidates, for their protection and safety and blessing and guidance and wisdom. As I prayed, I found myself prompted to pray for God to soften hearts, not only among the candidates and campaigns, but also among all people in our nation. I’m still praying that prayer today. We have seen too much anger and hardness of heart, including among believers, especially during the campaign. We and our leaders all need softened hearts that will yield to God and be molded by Him.
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My prayers today are for unity, joy and the love of The Lord to be with us going foward.
I pray for the hatred from the left and the frustration on the right to be abated and cast aside so we can enjoy each other as people, as God’s creation, and not as them-vs-us.
I pray for God’s love to soften the hearts of everyone.
Thanks for the scripture posts Mr. iMonk.
Love, Morgan
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So far, no indication that people are taking this as a sweeping liberal mandate. I pray they never do. There are many chances for Mr. Obama to make dire mistakes. But..
Rejoice that many Americans awoke this morning feeling unabashedly American for the first time in years.
Rejoice that many people feel that they are included as ‘real Americans’ who were beginning to feel they were being pushed outside of the circle.
Rejoice that children will see that whatever their color, whatever their name, they can succeed in America.
The loyal opposition will be desperately needed in this time. I pray from the winners, but also that the Republican party gets together and fills that role resolutely, nobly and well.
God Bless America!
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A note to balance what I wrote above; I cast my vote for McCain precisely because of my concern for the darker things I wrote of. This does not cancel the hope I also noted and spoke about. The very myth of our nation is tangled up with Godly faith in a way that is extremely difficult to tease apart. It is therefore all the more essential we struggle to do so.
Michael Dee Smith
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If you were not touched by the sincerity and graciousness of President-Elect Obama’s acceptance speech – most especially his remarks about Sen. McCain and those Americans who did not support the Obama ticket- I can’t undrstand you.
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Lotsa John Galt Celebrity Impersonators on the Net this morning. “Have you accepted Ayn Rand as your Personal LORD And Savior?”
One YouTube link from Star Wars Prequel Trilogy 3, Amidala’s “So this is how liberty dies, to thundering applause”.
One comment about “America is now under enemy occupation”…
Lotsa Obamaniacs gloating how they won the lottery and can go on the dole for life. What happens when their Messiah either can’t deliver or just messes up from human imperfection? (Given African tribal customs, this is going to get surreal when the distant relatives in Kenya start coming for their kinship cut of the Big Man’s largesse…)
And (the weirdest), a combination of Mayan Calendar/The End in 2012 crossed with the Book of Revelation and Obama is The Antichrist. (Tough job combining those three…)
Has the 2012 Presidential Campaign started yet?
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I voted for McCain – primarily because I am sincerely pro-life, believe God’s idea of marriage is male/female and am a little concerned with heading toward socialism, however electing our first African American president is monumental and come 2009 Obama will be my president and I will support and honor him as such. God is not married to any political party, His bride is the church and regardless of who is president I have a Christian obligation to love as Jesus loves and live my life as His child. My God protect and guide our new president.
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I am completely dismayed by the results of this election, although I am not horribly suprised.
I had coworkers at work last night sneaking into the breakroom to catch the latest update and rejoicing when their candidate won. I on the other hand, just could not.
There was so much at stake in this election, more than I think any of them even know. So it grieves me, angers me, and I am struggling with it. It would be glib and dissconnected from reality to just say “well God’s still in control”.
Before anyone criticizes me for feeling that way need not be reminded of how often in the Bible’s history God was in control…. and people still grieved at what was going on around them.
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Watching the faces last night of the people in the crowds as they listened to President Elect Barack Obama give his truly historic acceptance speech in his adopted home town of Chicago was deeply moving. Martin Luther King’s vision of a unified nation of men and women of all colors and from every nation were realized before all that were there or watching from their homes. Individuals that had long ago ceased to believe in the ideal and dream of an America in which the most despised of the earth could come, and through hard work and determined effort, one day realize the deepest desires of their heart for a better and more integrated life in this world, were full of child-like hope and wonder at the amazing embodiment of the vision before them in that electric moment.
I want for this dream to become real to all the people of our country who have indeed been despised by too many for too long. I’d like to see our divisions healed, and witness a renewal of a sense of positive hope for the future that once was a greater part of our nation’s culture. I hope to see those who have seen themselves as people that would never live anywhere other than at the edge of life have their time in history, walk boldly up to the table and take their place alongside all of us that have sat and supped, not always appreciating the gift we had been given. Let us hold hands and give thanks together.
This is what I desire and hope for. But I fear we may not be good enough for this dream; that we lack the character to press toward such a lofty goal; that we’ve never fully grappled with and recognized the deep darkness that is within; that of the other man and the one in us as well. Can we be so noble without fully facing this fatal weakness? History tells us what happens to nations that fail to seriously learn these lessons.
In this day of brightest dreams is the seed of darkest nightmares. May we together seek and pray for the first and guard our hearts against the second.
Michael Dee Smith
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I voted for Obama.
It is instructive to see how people voted on social issues.
At this time of the morning, gay marriage has been turned down in several states and looks to actually be turned down in California by a slim majority. Gay adoption has been turned down in one state.
All anti-abortion related issues have lost.
Affirmative action has been rejected by one state and kept, by a slim majority, by another state.
A state income tax has been overwhelmingly kept by one state.
A measure to further control illegal immigrants was defeated, and it was in one of the border states.
And, finally, the medical use of marijuana has been approved by one state.
As one looks at the vote results, I would argue that one sees a nation that is moderate. It also means that many social conservatives voted for President-elect Obama.
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Its been pretty upsetting to see my facebook friends’ comments about how terrible and stupid and ignorant America is. Most of them saying that are Christians. I simply cannot understand how, even in spite of huge disagreements with Obama’s platform, someone cannot still be impressed, proud, and inspired by the fact that our country has come such a long way in regards to racism.
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Michael,
Amen and Amen. The thing that really touched me Tuesday night was the passion displayed by the Obama supporters in his victory. As a mid-30s white guy I think it is hard for me to understand the oppression felt by African-Americans in this country. It was clear on many faces last night that this victory meant a great deal to a great many. It honestly challenged me because I know the joy I have found Christ after years of oppression to my sinful nature. I am challenged because I know that beyond racial tensions and political affiliations we all need Jesus to lift our oppression. I am challenged to figure out how to communicate Jesus hope, relief, and reconciliation more effectively to more people.
Peace
Tony
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As I have prayed for President Bush, so I will pray for President-elect Obama, as we all need to do.
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I think you folks who are claiming that “Bob” is anyone who has political views informed by their Christianity have simply failed to read the post and consider what I am saying. I’m not discussing Bob’s political views. I am discussing his anger and paranoia.
But it’s your party. Enjoy yourselves.
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Speaking for all your faithful “Bob” constituency, let’s pray her middle name is not actually Michael. Peace.
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I deleted Evelyn’s comment. I think her middle name is “Bob.”
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May God bless Barak and guide him into making the necessary changes we as Americans need for a successful future.
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As we are urged to pray for all people, ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them…,
I pray our President-elect will hear our plea for the silent voices of the four million babies who will not be born during his presidency.
That’s change I can believe in.
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side note… i will respect Michael’s wishes for not going political but come on Evelyn… i just don’t understand how my fellow brothers and sisters can call them selves faithful to the gospel and our Kings guidance when they spout off such hate and ignorance when the vote doesn’t go the way they want…. could it be….maybe we didn’t hear Gods voice the way we he was speaking…
we could indeed have been deceived… but i glory in my Savior and the amount of council, prayer, fasting and faith i have spent these past months truly seeking my Kings Heart… and this may be political but its not for America.. but for restoration and redemption to fall and rise as the Spirit is always faithful in doing throughout the years
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Praise God for His grace and Sovereignty and steadfast patience to not completely abandon us. I truly pray for Obama and his family in these coming years and pray that God will bless him in his leading, that his religious adviser’s will have amazing Godly wisdom. and actual safety on this man as even within these short hours we have seen way to much hate from our even those who claim they hold the message of Grace and Love of our Glorious King
This is a great post and a wonderful biblical reminder of our duty to pray for our new President
thank you Michael
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Evelyn S., I hope you’re joking.
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President elect Obama did not receive my vote and never would. However, he will be, in short order, MY President, and I pray the Lord protect him and his family.
fishon
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Amen, Michael. I voted for Obama and rejoice in his victory, but recognize that his work as President will be incredibly difficult in a time of so much trouble in/by/for this country. He has my prayers, because he, like the rest of us, will need all the help he can get.
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Sir,
Thank you for the scripturally positive spirit of this post. Though I disagree with President-elect Obama on several issues, I was impressed with his acceptance speech, and I am very proud that I live in a nation that has elected an African-American as president.
Yours,
L
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Amen, iMonk. Amen.
I voted for the man, but I wasn’t totally drinking his Kool-Aid. I will be praying for him.
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Politics aside, I was very impressed with the incredible class and sportsmanship displayed by both candidates. No one could come away from Obama’s victory speech inspired, or at the very least, hopeful.
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Both speeches by both candidates were extraordinary. McCain’s was incredibly gracious and Obama’s was inspiring. I sincerely hope that Obama sees his election less of a mandate for far left policies, but as a repudiation of the divisiveness that came before him, such that he follows through on his stated aim to work together with those who disagree with him and governs from the center.
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I was proud of McCain’s speech, too, but disturbed by the visceral response from the crowd.
My prayers are with President-elect Obama and his family.
To those dismayed by the outcome I would add, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen? If you do well, will it not be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.†– Genesis 4:6-7 (WEB).
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I am looking forward to seeing my black brothers and sisters Wed. night and Sunday at our church. Regardless of politics and issues, an America that has talked a new game for 40 years now has a visible symbol that maybe things did change. How Could they not be happy that a milestone has been achieved? We will all pray together for unity of purpose in our great country and wisdom for our President to govern.
I am proud of McCain’s speech and rejoice that there are no hanging chads.
God bless America and God bless pres. elect B.Obama!
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The spirit of this post is positive, prayerful and congratulatory. No politics on this thread.
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