On Tuesday the USA will swear in a new president. This is always a powerful moment, but this inauguration is different than any we have ever seen. A century and a half after the end of slavery in this nation, the people have elected an African-American to serve in the most powerful office in the land.

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 NIV

Whoever you voted for or whatever your political leanings, this is for all Americans, and for people all over the world, a thrilling and awe-inspiring event.

After retiring early for the evening on election night, I woke up at 4 AM and quickly tuned in to see what had transpired. As I heard these two opponents share the feelings of their hearts as one conceded defeat and the other accepted victory, I was moved to tears. I realized later that there was never a moment in my life when I was prouder of my country. Those feelings did not have their genesis in my political persuasion or my opinion of who was “right” -- they came from a place far deeper, far more primal than that.

What I thought was this: We now have a President born of a people who only a relatively few decades ago were mired in the political, social, personal and emotional quagmire of slavery…an African-American chosen to lead us through one of the most perilous times in modern history. Amazing!

Certainly we have miles yet to travel in race relations in our country, but this was a moment that marked for many their final emancipation. It signaled the true liberation of the souls and hearts of people, who, in spite of the boon of political freedom, did not feel that they were regarded in their own homeland, as truly “created equal.” And, since the election, in talking with many of my African-American friends in the church, I have come to understand those feelings in an even deeper way. Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is a time, regardless of our politics, to Rejoice with those who rejoice. (Romans 12: 15).

The Bible teaches we are to submit to, respect, and pray (with thanksgiving!) for our political leaders:

Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17 NIV

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1-7

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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV

These are not empty commandments. They are no less a part of our discipleship than other divine mandates which we rightfully take into our deepest hearts. God doesn’t tie our respect for leadership to our agreement with individual leaders or with any particular policy they may espouse. Therefore, let us pray for President Obama, his wife, his children, his advisors, our representatives – all of our governmental leaders - whoever they are and whatever position they hold.

Realize this: Although we live in a democracy and have a say in who holds office, it is God who is the ultimate Decider, he is the true Sovereign:

No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. Psalm 75:6-7

God has raised up our new President Barack Obama “for such a time as this.” Let us pray for him, honor him, and follow him.

Sam Laing
Athens, Georgia