Post-Election Perspectives

I've read some more really great posts today about the election--one written yesterday, when the outcome was still unknown, and the others written knowing that Barack Obama is our new president-elect. First, my own thoughts...

Personally, I can be thankful that Obama won for a few reasons. I think the Republican Party kind of needed a good butt-kicking so that they might actually consider returning to conservative values like small government. I think the Democrats might honestly have rioted or started a revolution if they'd gotten "robbed" in a third straight presidential election. And I think it's wonderful that we've elected our first black president. America has come a long, long way toward racial healing, and that's undoubtedly a good thing.

I am also concerned that Obama has won for a few reasons. I don't like big government (the idea of universal healthcare, for one, gives me the shivers--the government screws up everything they get their hands on; why would health care be any different?). I don't like the idea of Democrats controlling both the White House AND Congress--especially with all the billions of dollars that are now under government control. (For the record, I don't think it would be good for Republicans to control both, either; absolute power corrupts absolutely, and having the executive and legislative branches controlled by opposing parties provides more checks and balances, in my opinion.) And most of all, I am dismayed by Obama's promise that his first move as president will be to sign the tragic and abominable Freedom of Choice Act.

At any rate...as I said yesterday, God is still on His throne. May I direct you to men who have spoken much more eloquently about these issues?

Mark Driscoll:

People are longing for Jesus, and tragically left voting for mere presidential candidates. For those whose candidate wins today there will be some months of groundless euphoric faith in that candidate and the atoning salvation that their kingdom will bring. But, in time, their supporters will see that no matter who wins the presidency, they are mere mortals prone to sin, folly, and self-interest just like all the other sons of Adam and daughters of Eve.

[snip]

Jesus Christ alone can truly atone for our sins. He alone can deliver us from a real hell. He alone is our sinless and great King. And, he alone has a Shalom kingdom to offer.

Josh Harris:

If you voted for Obama, he isn't worthy of your ultimate hope. And if you didn't vote for him, don't despair as though Jesus isn't reigning over the world. Those who call Jesus their Lord can be filled with a quiet peace and confidence in all seasons. Our Savior is never in the White House. Our Savior is Jesus.

Justin Taylor:

No matter who you voted for--or whether you voted at all--it's important to remember that, as President, Barack Obama will have God-given authority to govern us, and that we should view him as a servant of God (Rom. 13:1, 4) to whom we should be subject (Rom. 13:1, 5; 1 Pet. 2:13-14).

• We are to pray for Barack Obama (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

  We are to thank God for Barack Obama (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

  We are to respect Barack Obama (Rom. 13:7).

  We are to honor Barack Obama (Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17).

And with that, I conclude my brief foray into political blogging :) Tomorrow we'll be back to your regularly scheduled blogging...and we can all breathe a big sigh of relief that this eternal campaign is finally OVER!