The Church of Obama

Inauguration Day 2009

How many superlatives have been used over the course of today as Barack Obama took office as the 44th President of the United States of America: transformation, change, remaking America, hope, future... to name but a few. One newscaster on Radio 5 described the thronging crowds in Washington DC as worshipping at the church of Obama. It's hard not to get swept along by the excitement and euphoria.

It was exciting; it was momentous to watch as the first African American was sworn in to office. I am excited and happy to have experienced this day, although over 2000 miles away.

But, Obama is only a man. The real job of leading starts now and I hope and pray that Obama will be a wise and discerning President. In a sense, Obama has set himself up to fail, because hope can mean so many things to so many different people, without actually being defined. I hope that Obama does make a good President, both for the United States and for the wider world.

But, Obama is only a man. He may be a good man; he may be an exceptional and wise, intelligent man, far exceeding his peers. But, he is still a man. Some of today's zeal - and some during the election campaign - was almost messianic in its fervour. Please don't take me wrongly. History has been made. When Obama was born, some parts of the United States were still experiencing segregation.

But, Obama's message of hope is not infallible hope. It is not unshakable hope. The only place that absolute hope can be found is in another man, the Man Christ Jesus, who also came on a wave of hope to the world. Not political hope but spiritual hope. Not temporary hope but lasting hope. Hope that is assured and promised to those who put their faith in and cling to Jesus, because of his death and resurrection. We live in a world which is falling apart, which is transitory and fleeting. The stock exchange was reported today as being the worst ever on Inauguration Day. We get little glimpses of hope in this life of brave leadership.

But, I'm talking about One greater than that, who is not only man but who is also God in the flesh. God with us. That is real Hope and one where I am willing to put my faith.