America Has Decided...

November 5 2008 AD: President elect - Barack Obama.

There is no doubt that today is a historical day. Barack Obama has become the first black man to win the presidency of the United States of America. I am joining the ranks of media outlets in congratulating Obama with his historic win.

John McCain gave what I thought to be a classy concession speech. Whether you like it or not there were many times that McCain took the "high road" during his campaign and I didn't think that he would do any less after it was apparent that he was going to lose his bid for the office of president. I also agree with his statement of supporting the new president of the United States which is something that has been missing for President Bush since his reelection in 2004.

Many in our church will remember that just a few weeks ago I preached a message from Romans 13 to remind everyone about our role as believers when it comes to elected officials. God's Word tells us in verse 1 "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." Some of you may not like it but if you believe in a sovereign God we cannot deny that He allowed the Obama presidency to take place. I am not going to assume that this was God's perfect will but there is no doubt that it was a part of His permissive will. God allowed America to elect the person they wanted. This portion of scripture goes on to say in verse 13 that we should render taxes to whom they are due...customs...fear...and honor. The office of President is the highest office of the land and we should honor that position.

In Obama's victory speech he said these words, "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." To be fair I think of Obama would have lost this election that he would have handled it properly. But he didn't lose...in fact, he won convincingly.

What will America look like in 4 years? I cannot give you an answer. We will have to wait and see what an Obama presidency looks like. All we can do is pray for our country and our leaders. These are difficult times and my hope is that Obama will have a steady hand as he drives this country.

Today is a new day in America. I'm not sure how the media will handle Obama as president. I don't know if they will continue the glossy coverage that they have shown during his run for the office. I will say this concerning the 2008 election: What we have seen is the "American Idol" mentality during this process. People decided long ago that they were going to vote for Obama. It had nothing to do with policies, experience, or character. They liked his looks, his speeches, and his style. When it came down to values (according to the exit polls) McCain won. However, it wasn't enough to win the presidency. That's why I ask the question in the poll to the right - what shapes your vote? When Bush won in 2004 the pundits said it was the "religious right" that propelled him to victory. If that is true then where were they in '08?

The last thing that I will say in light of Obama's win is that conservatives need to find a way to package their message in a way that the general public can agree with it. McCain failed so often to present a clear message. It took someone like "Joe the Plumber" to convey Obama's tax policy. I understand the conservative agenda but only because I pay attention. Many of the people who voted in this election do not pay attention to politics. If they did - Hispanics would have voted for John McCain - based on his stand for amnesty. If anything, maybe people will begin to pay attention. We will have to wait and see how the experiment of Obama as president works itself out and conservatives will have to find a way to communicate their values.

May God watch over president elect Barack Obama and his family. May God grant him wisdom to make the decisions that come with this office. And may God be with our nation during these difficult times.