Inauguration

This week we watched, along with probably over 1 billion people, the changing of the guard of chief executive of our country. With fervor and excitement, almost drunken stupor, the crowds of millions stood in the cold and chanted and cheered, awaiting the arrival of their newly pronounced leader. And then he appeared, and his demeanor took me off guard. Obama stood resolute, jaw-clenched, with almost a look of ominous sobriety, walking with what seemed weighted steps, as the reality of his surely impossible duties loomed ahead. No smiles or softness; he had his face set, and had counted the costs, as he stepped onto the platform.
I can't help but think of Jesus, when this scene unfolded. The crowds gathered, singing "Hosanna, save now!" and waiving their palm branches, only to turn in fickle disregard when their king wasn't Who they elected Him to be. Jesus's face must have revealed a sense of weight that maybe only the disciples saw, that may have surprised them when He entered Jerusalem. And was Jesus's task not infinitely greater? The weight of our sins bearing down, eventually taking the form of a Roman cross upon His back, eventually brought even our Lord to His knees. The sacrifice He gave was given with joy, because beyond the cross Jesus saw glory, and your face and mine. Jesus stepped onto the platform and His speech wasn't smooth, but humble, forgiving, desperate, compassionate, and somber.
May our hopes be placed not in human hands or government systems, but in the Living God, who did not spare His own Son.
Let Him rule and reign in your heart today!