A Psalm for Obama: A Response

Thanks to a link from Josh Hale, I read this article from the Christian Science Monitor.  The article talks about a new slogan showing up on bumper stickers and twitter post that reads: Pray for Obama: Ps. 109:8.  While this sounds innocent enough, when one checks the scripture reference, the Psalm reads,

“Let his days be few; and let another take his office.”

When I first saw this, I had to double check to make sure that wasn't reading The Onion or some other satire site.  But sure enough, it's a legit story.  Those who are passing along this passage along are using it display their dissaproval to Obama's presidency and their hope that he only serves one term.    Some people find the passage/reference as funny.  Others find as possibly sinister as the passage could be interpreted (misinterpreted) to express hope that President Obama might serve less than one term.

I find this story troubling- especially if it is perpetuated by Christians.  Here is why.

1. This passage is taken out of context- Taken out of context, one can make the Bible say just about anything you want.  This is very dangerous.  This Psalm of David a song about one of David's enemy- asking God to help him even this person is showing him evil.  Is President Obama really an enemey?  There may be some who disagree with his (or any President's) politics, but does that really make him the enemey, or someone at the opposite end of the table?
2. Another Example of Christians Being Negative-  It seems, from the article, that there are Christians buying into this passage and bumper sticker.  Why do we, as Christians, always have to be negative?  If we put as much time into praying for President Obama and all our leaders as we do in complaining about them, I believe our nation and leaders would look different because there would be countless people on their knees intercessing on our leaders behalf rather than complaining (which accomplishes nothing). 

We are called to pray for our leaders.  1 Timothy 2:1-2 is pretty clear,

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, 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."

What if we prayed that God would bless President Obama with wisdom rather than just wishing he was out of office? What if we prayed that our Senators and Representatives would truly hear the cries of their consituents rather than blasting them? This would change our entire witness as the Christian church if we lifted our leaders up in prayer rather than gripe and complain.

My hope for the Church is that we surround President Obama and our other local, national, and world leaders in prayer.  In this country, that we engage the issues with intelligent dialogue, seeking understanding and what is best for all people.  We rely on our government officials to act on our behalf- and we need to lift them up that God would grant them wisdom in all that they do.

Some Thoughts On Health Care

I've been wanting to write something about the proposed health care reform that is taking place in Washington D.C.  National Health Care is a huge issue with potentially huge ramifications.  For some, it's a step towards providing health coverage for everyone.  For others, it's a step towards socialism.  For some people are divided along politcal lines. 

First, a few thoughts of my own...

1. Health Care in America is broken- When there are millions without health coverage, it is a broken system.  Health care has become a dividing line between the "haves" and the "have-nots"
2. Many people's view of the governments role in the reform is uneasy, at best.  I'm not a fan of big government, but how can we fix a broken system that is this big?  Are there other ways that reform of this magnitude can happen (if you believe that reform needs to take place)?
3. Captialism has contributed to the problem.  Now, don't paint me as a socialist.  The bottom line of Capitalism is the bottom line.  When you put that together with the sinful nature of humanity, it's a recipe for disaster.  Corporations outsource there manufacturing to foreign lands, which exploits women and children, so that profits can increase.  Oil companies, in difficult economic times, have posted huge profits.  Insurance Companies/Health Care is not immune to this.  The price of health care keeps escalating.  Medications keep going up in price.  Our sue-happy culture raises the price of malpractice insurance...and the trickle-down goes to the average joe/jane who comes into the doctors office/hospital.

I'm certainly not advocating any answers, but some biblical thinking on the issue.  To do that may require one to set aside their preconcieved ideas about health care reform, political allegience (remember, Jesus wasn't a Republican or Democrat), or other views on the issue.

1. We know that Jesus was just as concerned with the poor as he was the rich.  Jesus restored the health and dignity of those who had been made outcast in society.  How do we as a society create systems that do not discriminate on the basis of race, income, gender, disabilities, etc. How do we restore the dignity of those who have no health care; those who can't afford basic coverage? End of life care? Etc.?
2. You can go through the Gospels and see many examples of Jesus healing the blind, the lame, the diseased- if the Church is the Body of Christ, is there an opportunity here for us to be a greater part of the healing process?  Can we work to provide more free clinics? Affordable vaccines/flu shots/etc.?  Can we provide/create ministries on greater scale that are healing in nature?  If we do not, are we missing an opportunity to be light in the darkness?
3. In John 17, Jesus prays that his disciples would not be removed from the world but would be kept safe from the evil one.  How often do we as Christians refrain from getting political?  We are called to engage the world and the culture around us...and this means even in politics. We must use what we know about God, Jesus, and the Bible to inform our beliefs and our actions and let that lead us as we participate in our democratic system.
4. Micah 6:8 says, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  What would God's justice look like in the health care reform?  How do we, as Christians, work torwards that on this issue?  What would  God's mercy look like?  How do we, as Christians, work towards this?

This post is not meant as a comprehensive argument one way or another, but a way to begin thinking critically as Christians on the issues at hand. 

How does your faith inform you on the issue of health care reform?  Talk it out in the comment section!

An Interesting View on Sarah Palin- VP Nominee

I have chosen not to write too many politcal things here in my blog, but today I will be writing a little. This is such a unique election year where we have the opportunity to have either the first African-American President or the First Female Vice President. In a country that believes in the equality of all people- it is about time that we have the opportunity to elect someone other than a white male.

Dan Kimball, in his blog Vintage Faith writes about how Conservative Christians are excited about the nomination of Sarah Palin for Vice President because of her Christian Values, Pro-life stance, and other various reasons. You can his blog here. Dan's point is an interesting one. If John McCain is elected president and Sarah Palin becomes Vice President, we recognize that Palin will become president and lead 300 million people if McCain is unable to do his duties as president. Kimball's point is this, while Palin could logically become the leader of 300 million people, she could still not preach in many of our conservative denominations pulpits. These are churches who believe that only men can teach or preach.

This is an interesting question to consider. How will churches who refuse to open the pulpit to women who exhibit gifts and calling from God deal with a woman Vice President who could possibly become President? It could open up some interesting conversation!