An Unique Inaugural

Yesterday we witnessed an event unlike any other as Barack Obama became our nation's 44th President. Our nation has celebrated inaugurals before...some of them more memorable than others. What made yesterday's inaugural so unique was really two fold. First, and I won't dwell on this, Barack Obama is the first President from a minority race.

Second, and what I found to be most amazing, was the reaction of the world to his inauguration. From photos of dancing in the streets of Kenya to wild demonstrations in Japan, the world celebrated a new American President. This has not happened before in the annals of American history. But why all the fuss? Barack Obama is seen as the one person who can bring hope, not only to a nation, but to a world that is meandering on the seas of uncertainty. In many ways, Obama became more than the President of the United States, but also became the hoped for leader of the world. Can he bring peace to the Middle East? Many hope so! Can he resolve the financial markets around the world? Many hope so! Can he defuse the Iranian nuclear program? Many hope so!

Now what entered my mind as I viewed those world-wide celebrations was this: Will it be any different when the Antichrist steps forward upon the world stage? The Bible certainly seems to portray the Antichrist as a man who will give hope to a desperate world. He will offer them a peace that has only been dreamed of. And so the world will cast their hopes and dreams at his feet, along with their very lives.

As demonstrated yesterday, the world is ready for a man who can inspire them with his vision; who can "wow!" them with his oratory; and who can persuade them to make the personal sacrifices necessary to advance his agenda; all with the hope of a better future. Is Barack Obama the anticipated Antichrist? I don't believe he is...but he certainly will be used to prepare the way for that final leader who will dominate the world's stage until Jesus Christ comes.