The Big Idea: Those sworn into office often use a special Bible. The Bibles chosen teach us a bit about Bible history through the centuries.
Biden's Family Bible
Today when
President Biden was sworn in, he chose a precious family heirloom that has been
in his family since 1893. A five inch or so thick family Bible with clasps of
Celtic crosses. Presidents and other State officials are not required to be
sworn in on a Bible. They can choose a meaningful book if they wish. Most
choose a Bible and some ask that it be opened to a verse in the Psalms or
another verse special to them. The President elect is privy to choose a
historic Bible from our nation's history. The most used Bible is the one that
George Washington used. Another popular choice is a Bible of Abraham Lincoln. A
Bible chosen can reflect a bit about the spiritual history of our nation as
well as the sacredness of the oath.
President
Biden chose a Bible that has been important in his family. It has all the
important family events written in it, and it has been used every time he was
sworn in to an office. There is a photo of him with the Bible in 1973 when he
was sworn in to the Senate. His son Beau Biden
also used this family Bible when he was sworn into office. I may be presuming,
but I believe that in this choice, President Biden has hopes that he can have an
impact on unifying and building up the American family, the family of our
nation and the nuclear family of American households. Whatever that looks like
in our diverse world, focus on the family is where we should find safety, love
and belonging.
The Family
Bible is a Douey Reimes Haydock Edition. The Douey Reimes translation has
traditionally been used by Catholics. The Haydock Edition is remarkable in that
it includes a Catholic Commentary, an Illustrated Catholic Bible Dictionary,
and a history of each book of the Bible. It also has charts and tables of
measurements and other subjects. The comments make up a considerable part of
the Bible pages and in it was considered a superb guide to understanding the
Holy Word of God. It is hopeful to think that back in its day it was poured
over when there was little else to read, and brought insight and comfort to
American families.
President
Biden is the second Catholic President to become an American President. Some
remember when the first Catholic President was elected, JFK. At the time there
were those who thought life as we knew it as believers was coming to a close. I
am thankful for a President today who takes his faith seriously and regularly
attends church, even if his practice of it is a bit different than mine. I pray
for him to go to God when he is heavy, with a need for guidance. May he surround
himself with wise counselors.
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives
marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior. I Timothy 2: 1-4 NLT
Up Next: MRI Meditations - First in a new series, Surviving by Scripture
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________________Reflect:
1. Does your family have a Bible that has been passed on in the family? Have you ever considered the history of its use? Do you have Bible verses, prayers and faith practices that you pass on to your children?
2. Do you pray for your president, not matter if you agree with him or not? Please join me in praying for our president that the Lord will guide him and draw him closer in a relationship with Him. Pray that he will be a wise leader.
