Inauguration and Parousia

The majority of the world's attention over the few days has been focused on the inauguration of Barack Obama. This, along with the expectations the public has for his presidency, has brought a great deal of excitement and euphoria not only to the United States but the entire world. I am a fan of Obama and hope he can fulfill most of these unrealitstic expectations. I however, am struck by the realization that he is not the Christ. Whatever he may accomplish, he cannot save his people from their sins, nor can he rise from the dead as the first fruits of our salvation. Instead we are to live in anticipation of the inauguration of Jesus, when an incalculable number will gather together in the new City and share in the celebration of the one who can exceed unrealistic expectations. We call this the parousia or 'coming' of Jesus. I pray that as we live in this 'in between time' we will not lose sight of this fact and instead focus on leading society to participation in a kigndom ethic.