Primaries and caucuses

This has been the year, hasn't it? Our family spends a lot of time talking about politics, for the good or bad. I think we've always been a talking family. So this lengthy primary season has kept the political talk most interesting and exciting. Barak Obama was here in Omaha last Thursday. What excitement! The queue started early and went for blocks. I though I'd go downtown just to get in on this historical occasion, but I hate crowds. Enthusiasm ran high. The mayor even "changed" the city's name to "Obamaha"! *smile* The excitement showed on Saturday when Obama fever swept the caucuses across the state. In our county he won 75%! I guess he didn't need us to switch parties to keep Hillary from getting it.

Seems like every Tuesday and nearly every weekend there's been some tight race. We've been glued to CNN and Fox, switching back and forth between channels to hear who is saying what. I think everyone loves a contest. It's keeping things interesting. Also, knowing that my children are so involved, I keep in touch for their sake.

But I just can't get excited about McCain. How did the Republicans end up with him? It's like Bob Dole all over again. Ho hum. He doesn't spark enthusiasm. He brings all those old dried up guys on stage like Warner of Virginia. "same old, same old" Every election year I guess some party has a boring candidate. Did the Democrats really get excited about Kerry? I don't think so.

It's assuring to know that it is God who raises up "kings" and brings them down. We would never have dreamed this scenario a year ago, that Hillary would be struggling, that Obama would be streaking for the finish; that McCain even would be in it or Huckabee winning states. I mean, it's all so remarkable. Who knows, only God knows what the end will be!

Today I read about the trial and Crucifixion of Christ. These crowds were so easily swayed. One guy probably started yelling one thing, and they all took up the cry. "His blood be on us and on our children." What a horrible thing to say! Did they realize what they were saying? Why bring it on their children, too? A few short years later, Jerusalem no longer existed. What's my point? God's hand was in that crowd, too, for Christ had to be crucified. It was part of the eternal plan. His sovereignty moved the crowd to cry "Crucify" and His sovereignty brought judgement.

I pray that God will give us wisdom to do His will in this season of our country's history.