Though our country is young in comparison to other nations of the world, the pomp and circumstance of a presidential inauguration struts all the grandeur of a republic conceived a millennia ago.
In Daniel 2:21 the Bible gives God the credit. “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.” Think of that.
The solemn procession of the outgoing and incoming leaders as they travel in limousines to the staging area conjures up a dignity born in the reign of a king. The presence of past presidents, former congressional members, and honored guests gives the entire ceremony the feel of mystique, as if one misspoken word or whispered syllable will upset the balance of power.
But I like it. Something about the process ignites in me a sense of pride in who I am and the privilege that is mine for having been born into a country where freedom is the watchword. I enjoy a lifestyle alongside many others that, even among the poorest households, are the envy of most of the world. I can participate in the voting process, a lone citizen able to choose a leader. If the results are not to my liking, I am free to say so.
What bothers me are those who think they have the right to destroy private property and injure others when the leader they wanted didn’t win. Losing to an opponent is part of the way our nation does things. Though I didn’t support many of the policies of the last administration, I respected his right to rule. Had I protested, I’d have been considered racist. I knew he’d have to earn the privilege again in four years, and in eight years, he’d have to move on.
In Romans 13:1-2 we are told:”Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, the one who resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
A new man has ascended to the helm, with new ideas, new goals, and different experience. I give him the right to prove himself. I know the scriptures teach that each leader is put in power because God allowed it. Stand back and let him be.