Inaugural Hope

Today was full of the fanfare and hoopla that accompanies our nation's presidential inauguration. It was just like other inaugurations, but then again, it was different because of the historic precedent that it represents. Never again will this be a country where a person of color has not occupied the highest realm of authority. No matter how you voted, it would be difficult to NOT join in the celebration on some level. Our country should be proud of the peaceful transition of power--once again a model of democracy in action.

Not to put a damper on the day, but I did have one thought about hope, which was so much a part of the theme of today's festivities. Indeed, the air fairly sizzled with the hope that people are placing in President Obama. I find it concerning because I don't think anyone can live up to the incredibly high expectations riding on his shoulders at this point. In my other blog today, I wrote about why I can support Obama now, even though I didn't vote for him. (You can read that entry here if you're interested.) There are practical reasons we should support our president when we can, but there is a spiritual reason as well. I can support Obama because my hope is not in him. This week, our study will focus on hope. Where do we find hope? How do we sustain it? I can tell you this much--hope is not to be found in either political party or in any candidate. Even the best leaders are flawed. They must make daily decisions with incomplete and imperfect information. Sometimes they get it right, but just as often they don't. I respect Barak Obama's intelligence and compassion. I believe he'll do some good things for the country, and I believe he'll make mistakes, but I will pray for him and support what I can because my hope is not in him. My hope lies in the Rock of Ages, whose character is flawless, who makes decisions based on perfect knowledge and eternal wisdom; whose throne is founded on mercy; who is described as the Good Shepherd, the Morning Star, and the lover of our souls. As the old hymn says:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest 'frain
But wholly lean on Jesus' name
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

That's something to bet your life on. Where is your hope?