I Know Why Barack Obama Won the Nobel Prize
October 24, 2009 at 12:13 pm (American Christianity, american civil religion, god, politics) (American nationalism, American politics, antichrist, Barack Obama, christian nationalism, christian patriotism, god raises up kings, Nobel Peace Prize, patriotism, religious right)
Bad news, you may not like it, but Barack Obama is anointed by God.
Truthfully, that is the only logical explanation of how someone who has done so little to influence world events could possibly receive an honor which is so lofty in the eyes of men. (P.S. though he won with only 10 months in office he was actually nominated after only two months in office). And let me state definatively: He is not the antichrist.
By ‘anointed’ I certainly do not mean that God approves of or agrees with the thoughts and actions of President Obama, but I do mean that in God’s sovereign will He is displaying Barack Obama to us and to the nations. Why is the this so difficult for Christians to accept? I believe it is because we are self-centered in our understanding of the ways in which God leads the earth.
Many Christians in the US believe we are called by God to lead the other nations of the earth. Therefore, when they see someone leading the US who doesn’t agree with many of their opinions, they are deeply disturbed. I’m not saying they shouldn’t be disturbed. But let us ask ourselves this question: What happens when God chooses to begin to give the nations of the earth over to their own desires?
At what point does he look at the US, which exports pornography, materialism, and selfish ambition, and say, “okay, have it your way.”
I think, perhaps, He raises up a leader to empower them in humanism, in a love of false peace of mind, material prosperity, and shallow religious ideals. (Yes, I think Barack Obama supports all of those agendas). God raises up leaders that reflect the spirit of the people they lead. From Babylon to Rome, Germany to America, His dealings have been just. Our leader looks just like us.
Some may cry, “Foul! I didn’t vote for him! He’s not my President!”
I would say, didn’t you vote each time you chose convenience over love? (That is the root of abortion by the way). Have you ever voted for self-comfort over the welfare of the one in need? Or indulged in gluttony or cursed your neighbor? Do we really believe we’ve “earned” a righteous leader because we’ve been so faithful ourselves?
Is not each implicit agreement with darkness a vote for a leader who will encourage sin and speak out against God’s righteousness? To the outraged, I’d ask: In the last five years, have you offered your money or time to serve Hollywood or network television, bad trees that cannot produce good fruit?
The bottom line: God is just, and gives us the leaders that we deserve. Our job? Honor them by praying for their minds and hearts to come into God’s purpose; and pray that in His mercy – he will give us a leader we don’t deserve. That is, a leader who rules in righteousness, justice, and with compassion for the weak.
With that, I present a challenge to all those who follow Jesus who may stumble upon this post: For the next month, do not say a single negative thing about our President, but instead, take the words which would have been used to complain or lament – and turn them into intercession on President Obama’s behalf.
Of course, I expect/hope for vigorous commentary on my thoughts here. For those who read me on Facebook, you are welcome to comment there but I’d prefer you comment directly on my blog: kylegebhart.wordpress.com
Kristy said,
October 24, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Well-written Kyle.
Lauren said,
October 24, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Ouch – nice post.
Lisa said,
October 24, 2009 at 5:39 pm
wise words and a very good admonishment…if you’ll excuse me I’ve got a big plank to take out of my eyeball.
J Holsworth Stevenson said,
October 24, 2009 at 5:46 pm
An interesting premise and title. Perhaps I might inquire, for what is Barack Obama anointed? Because if the answer is that he is anointed to be a dreadful president and make awful laws to teach America a lesson, then I might be tempted to think that this post is perhaps ultimately as negative as its intended audience.
Putting aside Obama’s admittedly checkered reputation inasfar as abortion (which, while an admittedly striking issue is not one that the Peace Prize is designed to recognise or address), the Nobel Peace Prize is given to “the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding or promotion of peace congresses.”
Upon election, Obama made no secret of his intent to withdraw “standing armies” from Iraq, and as distasteful as his humanistic view of Islam as a positive force in the world may be, it must be admitted that his overtures to Islamic nations (not to mention his conciliation with Russia and his patience with Iran) have been incredibly successful in establishing “fraternity between nations”. He might not have accomplished much now, but the Prize is as much for statement of intent as it is for actual results.
Now as far as peace itself goes, Obama is one of the best American presidents in decades. As far as peace in the womb goes; it certainly remains to be seen. That for certain is something to pray about. But as far as the state of the nation, Obama is certainly not what America deserves. Maybe Stalin.
kylegebhart said,
October 24, 2009 at 8:57 pm
@j.holsworth
To answer the first question, I believe he is anointed to lead our nation into the expression of their true desires – and yes, that is a fairly negative statement, because I believe the desires of most Americans are not in agreement with God’s desires.
That said, the good news is that I believe God can (through our prayers) change the desires of human hearts – and that if we are faithful in intercession, God could use Barack Obama as an agent of righteousness, even in the area justice (peace) for babies.
As for deserving Stalin, I’d agree insofar as we *deserve* hell – but in God’s mercy He sent us Jesus. Perhaps in His mercy he can turn Obama’s heart – but perhaps we are in a season of God’s judgment and we simply need to suffer long until Jesus Himself comes to deliver us.
Randy Potter said,
October 24, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Did you read the article or just the title?
Dave said,
October 25, 2009 at 11:24 am
Been a long time, Kyle. But I like to keep up on my friends.
How is it self-indulgent, selfish, and uncaring towards one’s neighbors to reform health care so that the poor can get care, too? Or to beat back Wall Street so that they can’t rob the poor? Or to reform education so that everyone has an equal chance at advancement?
Where in Jesus’ teachings does he teach you to judge Obama’s Christianity?
How can network television produce only “bad fruit” when they’re produced fodder for PAX, like Touched By An Angel? Or Hollywood, which produces streams of Christian movies annually (even in the mainstream, such as the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)?
I’m sorry, Kyle, but this is about as off-base as claims that Obama is muslim.
Dave
kylegebhart said,
October 25, 2009 at 11:23 pm
@ dave:
A basic premise: my opinion is that though you can be saved and be a politician – that you must usually compromise your religious belief system to get to the highest levels of elected office. For example, the Bible states clearly that those who don’t follow Jesus are condemned – a very basic biblical truth – this is a theological point that no “Christian” leader could admit publically without committing political suicide.
I wouldn’t ascribe my definitions of biblical Christianity to any of the above TV series or movies either. I have seen almost no television series or movies that authentically represent a biblical worldview – I’m not saying they don’t exist – but why even look for the needle in the haystack?
Finally, the New Testament does not tell us “not to judge” – but instead to judge in a “right measure” – consider:
Matthew 7:1-5:
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
Here, Jesus says that the ‘manner’ in which one judges will be ‘measured back’ – to put it one way – if I judge with patience, longsuffering love and a heart of empathy and compassionate forgiveness, then I will receive from God a ’similar’ measure of grace. If I judge harshly, rashly or quickly…I’m in for a world of hurt. This is a massive oversimplification, I know, but the main point is the New Testament, and Jesus, aren’t tell us “never use any judgement at all” – that is just absurd, how else could we avoid a false teacher or even decide on any relationship?
Basically I’m simply advocating people to pull back from their harsh words against Obama and instead ask for God’s compassion towards him – (because that’s what I’d want if I were in his shoes so to speak).
However, to claim he is not humanistic in his leanings and agenda is to simply be blinded to the truth. He, as most of America, is in significant agreement with human wisdom – not God’s wisdom. Jesus’ way is narrow, few find it. It’s a hard truth, but true nonetheless.
One final qualifier related to that point: I’m not even saying I’ve “found” the narrow way or am better than our President. But I have made many choices to dedicate my entire existance to finding and following the path that leads to life through Jesus.
I’ll have some more in depth thoughts on health care to come in the next week or so.
A final verse on judgment in the Bible (because, honestly, I think its what is really bugging you about my post).
The context Paul is speaking to is one related to sexual immorality – but it can be safely applied outside of this immediate circumstance:
1 Cor. 5:9-13:
“I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”
Here Paul says it clearly: Believers may (and should) judge those “within” the church. I’d challenge you to search out how judgment of others is addressed in the New Testament as a whole – I think you’ll find that it is in fact part of our basic Christian resposibility. I honestly have no idea is President Obama is a Christian or not – or what most people even mean when they say “Christian” anymore. But, if you are saying he is a believer, and I take your word for it – than in fact I do have a role in ‘judging’.
Anyhow – the main point isn’t whether or not Obama is a good man, bad man, Christian or Muslim – but do we spend more of our energy praying for him or bad-mouthing him. I’m writing mostly to my Christian community here in Kansas City, where far too many people say far too many unhelpful things about leaders they disagree with.
As for me, my conscience is clear on the matter (though I’m not flawless, for sure), I’ve honored him as a leader and as a person – and spent more time praying for his welfare than hoping for his doom. That sure isn’t the same thing as agreeing with him though.
cstyles said,
October 26, 2009 at 6:33 am
Wow, knowing the premise of your post before I read it did not in anyway diminish the deep sting in my heart while reading.
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”. Hebrews 4.12
Pretty Divisive.
It hurts to look ourselves in the face and admit the truth: Just like wayward Israel, YHWH has given to us exactly what we asked for in a leader after our own hearts. Sure makes me glad that He’s a God of mercy, and that He has always been moved by the prayers of the humble and broken.
Thanks Kyle
Rob said,
October 26, 2009 at 7:02 am
When did God deem hollywood and network TV Unable to bear fruit? Hasn’t Hollywood and network TV produced some of the most thought provoking features and programs, spiritually, ethically, and politically? Perhaps movies like the Matrix and I Am Legend, should be left out of thousands of preachers sermons, because ‘bad people’ made them… Or perhaps all of those who have started their careers in Hollywood and moved on to produce fruitful documentaries and features should have stopped before they started due to Hollywood’s inability to bear fruit. Kyle I Love you, but get a grip. God CAN and WILL use all things for his glory as long as we are willing to follow him.
zackhensley said,
October 27, 2009 at 10:39 am
Um… Rob I think you may need to be the one getting a grip…
Kyle did say Hollywood and network TV were unable to bear fruit he said:
“I have seen almost no television series or movies that authentically represent a biblical worldview – I’m not saying they don’t exist – but why even look for the needle in the haystack?”
i have plenty of friends involved in Hollywood- and have been there (meaning hung out with) Had friends who tried to start churches there. You’d be hard pressed to find any authentic believers.
Sorry to burst your bubble- but uses people who reject the cross (Jn3:36) to give him glory by executing judgement. Not by finding undertones and hues of Christian morality.
It’s the testimony of Jesus that is lacking
Either way- keep contending for something to happen. I hope I’m worng!
john r. williamson said,
October 27, 2009 at 11:41 pm
I like your advice. It is good to pray for our leaders and rally for the Lord to work through them. If God can speak through a donkey, he can speak through a donkey!
Rob said,
October 29, 2009 at 9:27 am
I guess we shouldn’t even try. Gods obviously unable to shine his light in the darkest of places… Real optimistic Zach. A needle In a haystack could always use some friends.
Dave said,
November 16, 2009 at 1:12 am
Didn’t see your reply to my post until just now. Honestly, I think your reply to my post was more balanced, and your post itself was more inflammatory. You asked why I’m searching for a needle in a haystack; it’s because you made a blanket, unfair statement about hollywood. And you said in your post that you believe that Obama stands for “shallow religious ideals,” and in your reply to me you said that you can’t say whether he’s saved or not. I can’t really disagree with your reply to my notes; but I still disagree with your post.
And you didn’t address my question of how it’s anything but right to address health care and wealth inequality. I think if God wanted to do good for humanity, He’d put in a president who’d take care of those things.
All that said, it would be disingenuous of me to claim to be a Christian myself. It’s been years since I’ve been regular church attendant; now I like Christmas and Easter, and organ music on occasion.
Oh, and @Rob, good note. I agree with you.
Bret said,
November 20, 2009 at 12:58 pm
One short item (since I’m typing from my phone).
Yes, Obama is anointed by God, but I believe he is anointed like all other leaders for the purpose of leading a nation into righteousness.
After all, His evaluation by God will be on that point. My framework is the long line of anointed, but ungodly, King’s of Israel. These guys were far worse than any president could ever be in a democratic republic. But though they were given to the people as a reflection of their desire, they didn’t PLEASE God when they lead the nation into deeper immorality.
So no @Dave, Obama is not anointed to tank the nation. Better put, Americans themselves are in danger of tanking the nation when they select rulers by foolish criteria.
Favor on the King’s life makes it easier for him to lead. But he will be held accountable even to degree of that favor. I think that encourages compassion.