God Issues Today: "Possible Only in America"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"The real McCoy" refers to a steam engine lubricator invented by Elijah McCoy in 1872. Thomas J. Martin patented the fire extinguisher that same year. Lewis Howard Latimer invented the carbon filament for light bulbs in 1881. Gwendolyn Brooks won the Pulitzer Price in 1950 and succeeded Carl Sandburg as poet laureate of Illinois. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a civil rights movement which transformed America. Clarence Thomas has served on the Supreme Court of the United States since 1991. Colin Powell served as America's Secretary of State from 2000-2005, to be followed by Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

Now another African-American stands ready to serve his country, this time in the highest elective office in our nation. When Barack Obama becomes the 44th president of the United States, his inauguration "will be the major civic event of our time" (CNN, November 24, 2008). When his family moves into a White House built by African-Americans, history will be made.

Today's New York Times tells us that hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the Mall in Washington, D.C. yesterday to begin the celebration. Bands and celebrities performed. People traveled from all over the nation and abroad to watch history unfold. Tomorrow's inauguration will be an event none of us will forget.

As Mr. Obama often says, his story would be possible only in America. The son of a black man and white woman, raised by a single parent in relative poverty, running for president as a first-term senator—a year ago, virtually no political experts gave him a chance. Whatever our political loyalties or election choices, all Americans can take pride in a country where determination and sacrifice can lead to the highest office in the land.

This morning, all who follow Jesus are called by Scripture to pray for our new president and leaders. Paul's exhortation is unconditional: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Have you prayed for our new president yet today?

God's word instructs us to "show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). Note the order: Love God's people, honor the secular authorities, but "fear" God alone. How do we do all three? Let's continue tomorrow.