Posted on November 5, 2008 - by Stephen Murray
What does Obama’s Victory Mean for Me?
Precious little at the moment to be honest. I woke up to quite a bit of euphoria this morning in the media over Obama’s victory. Tim Modise was raving about it on SAFM, my Kenyan friend was so overjoyed he blew his internet cap watching and re-watching Obama’s victory speech, and my Angolan friend has been carrying around this smirk on his face all day long because a black man occupies the most powerful position on the planet. So what does it mean for me? Well I’ve written before about the fact that I’m rather distressed by the man’s views on abortion and the murder of unborn children is rather a big issue for me, but let’s not be a party pooper.
I think his election has the potential to do wonders for race relations the world over and that excites me. I’m also quite keen to see how his foreign policy will play out – on paper it looks a whole lot more friendly than the previous regime – that’s a plus. At the end of the equation however I’m reminded that he is just a man and so just like any other man he is incapable of bringing about true lasting heart transformation which lies behind all of the issues and ills we see on the global landscape today. Will his victory be a positive one for me a white South African living hundreds of miles on the other side of the planet? I hope so. But as I wait to see how his term pans out I must consume myself with the victory that has made all the difference to this life and millions of others. I must consume myself with Christ and be an agent of blessing and transformation – that’s what means the most to me, and ultimately it will mean the most for all of us, Barack included. So to my Stateside readers – I hope this one works out for you – in the meantime keep living in light of the ultimate victory.
9 Comments
We'd love to hear yours!
Leave a Reply
Here's your chance to speak.
Stephen Murray
Christian, husband to my beautiful Robin, missional dreamer, pastor, church planter, Arsenal, Sharks and Springbok supporter, surfer (in the real sea), patriotic South African, Capetonian. Find out more about the church planting work I'm involved in at my support blog.
Visit My Website
November 5, 2008
Permalink
Mike Edwards said:
I don’t know if it will work out for us in the way we would prefer, but definitely trust that Barack is at work for the purposes of a Sovereign God and will do in us what is necessary to move the church where it needs to go. Great thoughts man, thanks for sharing.
Visit My Website
November 6, 2008
Permalink
Riaan Oosthuysen said:
Great post. I am not convinced of Obama’s purity, but as Mike says, I also believe that God is in control.
Visit My Website
November 6, 2008
Permalink
Jenny said:
Our nation has just elected the most pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, anti-Capitalist, and anti-Israel president in our history. In short, God has given us the kind of leader that we deserve — the kind we have been begging for. The new President now has the power to put his radical secular imprint upon this nation for decades to come through the appointment of activist liberals to the Supreme Court. I fear that our nation has been irrevocably changed for the worse.
Dr. David Reagan
He said it all, we are in deep trouble and we got what we deserved. You can’t break God’s laws and expect to be blessed. Lord have mercy upon us.
Visit My Website
November 6, 2008
Permalink
Stephen said:
I’m just a little concerned though that so many Christians in the States actually think that Republican presidents are actually keeping God’s law. Yes I think some of Obama’s policies are extremely liberal and could pose some serious problems for the church in the future but at the same time I’m really dissapointed by the views of some conservative folk in the States. I mean what the heck has Israel got do do with the price of eggs?
Visit My Website
November 7, 2008
Permalink
Mid said:
I’m a little more than concerned for our country, knowing that only 52% voted for Obama, while 46% knew better. Don’t be a party pooper because innocent babies are being slaughtered and more will be in the future because the man in office doesn’t care about them? Don’t be concerned for freedom of speech, because the man in office has vowed to put a bill in place to make it a hate crime to disagree with the government? Don’t be concerned for family values because the man in office has aligned himself with the rights of homosexuals? This man unequivocally stated that he believes in a higher power and that all roads lead to God, in spite of what Jesus says: John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth and the light. No man comes unto the Father, but by me.” I only hope and pray people take off their blindfolds…though, I fear it is too late. And as for Israel, do you not read your Bible? God says in more than one place that He will DESTROY those nations who come against Israel and coerce her into giving up her God-given land. That she is the apple of His eye. That in Jerusalem will Christ reign when He comes back. And that God, Himself, will fight against those who come against Jerusalem… I’d say that puts us square in the middle of God’s wrath…see if eggs are even worth anything then! Mark my words, people have been duped, but it’s too late to do anything about it…you will see soon enough that there is no change coming to America or the world that will be for good to those who are true believers in Christ Jesus, the only road to God.
respectfully, mid
Visit My Website
November 8, 2008
Permalink
Stephen said:
Question is if you keep on reading your bible all the way through to Paul and treat the scriptures as unfolding narrative rather than a propositional textbook you’ll notice that Paul significantly changes the parameters of exactly who constitute the new Israel and thus become the recipients of the OT promises and declarations – and I’m pretty sure it ain’t national Israel.
Visit My Website
November 9, 2008
Permalink
Mid said:
Then you haven’t read all Paul has to say about HIS people, the nation of Israel…the true olive tree (we are the grafted in ones)…read Romans 11
Visit My Website
November 9, 2008
Permalink
Janis said:
Often times one is sick before they realize it and by the time they do it is to late to overcome the illness. Sadly Obama’s election is merely a symptom of the world’s ailments. The infection is spreading and is out of control. It isn’t about skin color, but about the New World Order and the coming Antichrist.
As for replacment theology, you are wrong! The church has not replaced Israel. I agree that at the moment there is a satanic ingathering, as it isn’t Jesus regathering His people The gathering today is one prepared to accept the AC as their Messiah. The only ones saved today is the church, however many of the promises to Israel were unconditional promises. They were not based on whether or not Israel remained faithful. They were based on the faithfulness of God. Romans 11:11-29 states in verse 29: “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” This verse is often applied to other things, but in context it refers to God’s promises to Israel. We need to understand this, if God could take back His unconditional promises to Israel – He can take them back from us. Our very eternity is at stake!
Visit My Website
November 10, 2008
Permalink
Stephen said:
Its not a replacement theology its a promise and fulfillment theology – Israel bear the promise the church fulfills it (the church made up of both Jew and Gentile). So I’m afraid I disagree with both Janis and Mid. I (along with numerous high profile evangelical theologians) see absolutely no special place today in the scripture for national Israel.