Inauguration Day
Greetings, fellow disciples of Jesus,
Today the nation directs its attention today to the incoming administration of our new president. In his inaugural address we will likely hear about his agenda; his vision for the country and how he plans to accomplish his plans.
Whether you watch the inauguration or not, whether you like what our new president has to say or you disagree with him, as Christians, it is important to remind ourselves that, ultimately, our hope is not in politics or presidents, but the Prince of Peace, Jesus. His reign is over all people, for all people.
We pray for our president and other leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4). We respect and honor them and the office they bear (Romans 13:1-7). We do not, however, place our (ultimate) trust in them; rather, our hope is in the Lord (see Psalm 146 below).
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ first public act following His baptism was a teaching tour throughout Galilee. When He came to His hometown of Nazareth, He took up the scroll of Isaiah and read,
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:18-21
Some biblical scholars refer to this as Jesus’ inauguration speech, wherein He laid out His agenda for His administration—His ministry of proclaiming the reign of God. In saying that the scripture had been fulfilled in their hearing, Jesus was saying—“I’m the One you’ve been waiting for. The kingdom of God has come near and this is what it looks like…” His is a reign marked by good news for those who are poor, freedom for the oppressed, sight for those who are blind; the favor of our God.
The words of Isaiah which Jesus claimed as applying to Him are echoed throughout the scriptures in passages proclaiming God’s good and gracious reign. As you read the following psalm, make it your own prayer to God, our King, who reigns forever.
Psalm 146
1 Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortals, in whom there is no help.
4 When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish.
5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God,
6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the strangers;
he upholds the orphan and the widow,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The LORD will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD!
The peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Mike
