Obama's Inauguration Speech

President Obama’s inaugural speech was really quite stunning as far as presidential speeches go. Not only written and delivered well it hit on exactly the issues that fill people’s fears and joys and offered people hope at the same time. It was the kind of speech people love to hear from a leader who (for the time being) they want and will follow.

There was humbleness: The crisis America finds herself was the result of “…greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure…’

There was optimism: “We cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”

There was generosity: “America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.”

There was activism: “What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.”

And there was God!: 

Obama concluded his speech saying, “…with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”
He also quoted 1 Corinthians early on in his speech saying that, “…the time has come to set aside childish things.”.
He spoke also of the “…God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”, and the fact that “God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.” …whatever that is??

But mostly there was America:
The President in human terms nailed it!
The President in American terms nailed it as well. Invoking the glories and principles of the past to change and inspire and renew the American future.
And although it was kind of encouraging (and expected) that God is brought into this great occasion, one kind of get the feeling that God is somehow our great distant helper. Human and national dreams will somehow be secured if we try hard enough and stick to the right principles. Which means God watches over but is not called upon to be trusted…well not directly at least.

God over Obama

We must pray for the new President, he has a very difficult task and his popularity is such that he is destined to disappoint. He may well be the best ‘man’ for the job but the goals of prosperity, unity, peace, generosity, happiness and hope can only be truly met through the ultimate governing work of Jesus…who’s name and work wasn’t invoked today. 

We must pray for the new President, that he will work hard and serve with integrity, (oh to have leaders like this).
And we must remember that God is more than just our ‘helper’. He doesn’t help us succeed in our plans, rather he captures us for his…and so we want to and will follow him.

Better than Obama?

Ken Mansell wrote the following and sent it to a few people. I thought it worth letting some others read it as well.


I watched the acceptance speech of Senator Obama last week and was struck, not be the words of this gifted speaker, but by the look on the faces of those listening. Their child-like joy reminded me of that indescribable look my son has when he sees his mother after slowly waking in the morning. Since then I have seen and read countless reviews of this speech, all delirious with a new hope…

But I have found it very hard to get as excited. I wanted to. I really did. But I just couldn’t. At first I thought this was because I have worked in a Minister’s office so I am a bit skeptical about the spin of politicians, but I have finally worked out why I find it hard to get excited by this, or any, political change.

I can’t get excited by “Yes we can!” when I have something of magnitudes better in “Yes he did!”.

I can’t be delirious in a new hope when I already have the ultimate hope.

And especially I can’t take more pride in my citizenry than I already have – I am of God’s chosen people.

I hope and will pray that the presidency of Senator Obama will be blessed by God. I know that God will use this presidency in his good plans.

However, just imagine if the passion that I saw on that day was the passion you and I had in what God has already done for us in Jesus. Just imagine if when we thought of the certain hope we have thanks to Jesus we where filled with the awe I saw on that day. Just imagine if we had the same pride those faces showed as we completely understood what being citizens of heaven actually means.

Let’s stop imagining... join with me in saying “Yes we can!”

Ken Mansell