Next Monday Barak Obama will take the oath of office as he begins his second term as President of the United States.
During the ceremony he will place his hands on the Lincoln Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration in 1861 and another which belonged to Dr Martin Luther King who led the civil rights movement and who like Lincoln was assassinated in the service of his country.
These Bibles therefore have an important historical significance and while there is no constitutional requirement, all past Presidents have chosen to make their vows and promises with their hands placed firmly on God’s word.
The Bible, however, is much more than a book that adds solemnity to such occasions. It is a working book for Christians which reveals God’s will and purpose for living. By today there are as many translations as there are interpretations and this can often lead to confusion and differences of opinion which have not benefited the work and witness of the church.
Jesus said that he had come not to do away with any aspect of the law of God and made the momentous claim that all its truths were fulfilled in Him. One great Bible teacher was asked by his students to express Biblical truth in one sentence.
After some thought he stood and with great gusto sang a simple children’s chorus ‘Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so’ God’s peace and forgiveness in Jesus who brings the Bible to life and assures us of God’s eternal love – for the Bible tells me so!
Click here to find out more about the Rev. David Jones.
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