Use this news story from recent days to help your students see the relevance of this week's lesson from the Standard Lesson Commentary or Standard Lesson Quarterly.
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Download "In The World" for January 4.
A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM
“A New Birth of Freedom” has been announced as the theme of President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20. The theme, taken from President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, was chosen to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. The symbolism is significant: our 44th president will be the first black man to hold that office, and Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which started our nation on the path to giving full legal status to its citizens regardless of their race. However, when Obama invited Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, to offer the inaugural prayer, the decision was harshly denounced by many of Obama’s supporters. They object to Warren’s public opposition to abortion and gay marriage. The President-elect is finding what all presidents find: some of their supporters think they “own” them.
THE DEATH OF SLAVERY
Without question, Pharaoh owned the Hebrews. They were his slaves. So when they became too numerous for Pharaoh’s comfort, he took steps to limit their numbers. However, when he ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill newborn Hebrew males, he discovered he did not own those women’s hearts or consciences. Those belonged to God. The midwives’ refusal to honor the king’s commands was the first step in a process that eventually resulted in the death of slavery for the Hebrew people.
- What kind of freedom do you think the theme for the inauguration suggests? Freedom from what? Freedom for whom?
- Do you think the theme for the inauguration is appropriate? Why or why not?
- Do you agree with Obama’s decision to have Rick Warren pray at the inauguration (as well as Warren’s acceptance of the invitation)? Why or why not?
- How should Obama and Warren respond to the criticism each is receiving?
- What are some areas in which Christians must act on the basis of their conscience, regardless of consequences? What guidelines would you offer for such acts?
—Charles R. Boatman
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