Paula Priesse on the Messiah complex of Barbara Walters

“In one sentence Barbara Walters last night perfectly encapsulated the emotional immaturity of the liberal elite. When CNN’s Piers Morgan asked her why President Obama is “struggling,” a disappointed Walters responded: “We thought that he was going to be - I shouldn't say this at Christmastime, but - the next messiah.”

First of all, what’s up with this “we” business? She’s certainly not talking about all of us. If she means her media cohorts, at least Walters finally admits that they’ve been in the tank for Obama since day one.

Secondly, what possibly made Walters feel this way? Barack Obama was a one-term senator with not a single day of executive experience. Which makes one conclude that it was simply a matter of skin color. If so, Barbara’s cocktail buddies must be the most shallow and insipid individuals on the face of the earth.

Finally, and most importantly, anyone who thinks that any politician, left or right, will be America’s next “messiah” is mentally ill. The majority in this country, Ms. Walters, still believe that there is, and will forever be, only one true “Messiah.” “

Impatience with the messiah analogy

At first it was tongue in cheek--referring to Obama as "the messiah" during the campaign. After all, it was so far beyond the pale it made a point. And that ridiculous Soviet realism style art on the posters and buttons--glinting eye, jutting jaw. It all fit. A leftover from an era when God had been kicked out of the public square. But I'm tired of it. Yes. It disturbs me. I think he and his true-believer followers have internalized it at some very deep level of consciousness. We're not helping them clarify their thinking by repeating and cheapening the word messiah. So Christians particularly might just stop joking about it. 'Taint funny anymore, folks.

This morning I was reading a 100 year old sermon by G. Campbell Morgan on the resurrection with reference to Romans 1:4, the centerpiece of our faith, looking forward to the final resurrection of the saints. He says he dreams of unborn ages and new creations, and marvellous processions out of the being of God, through the risen Christ and the risen saints. Then he tells his congregation (in London) to go away rejoicing in the resurrection of Jesus because it is the message of a great confidence.

"He is King, Priest, Warrior, and Builder, and all the great relationships are linked to His resurrection because he demonstrated thereby as the Son of God.

His Kingship is an absolute monarchy. I have no anxiety about His reign. I believe in an absolute monarchy when we can find the right King. We have found Him.

As to His Prophetic mission, it is one of absolute authority. What He said is true. It cannot be gainsaid. All the words gathered from His tender lips, and printed here and preserved for us, are words which abide. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My word shall not pass away."

As to His Priesthood, the resurrection demonstrates its absolute sufficiency. Why do you grieve God by this perpetual grieving over sin, and the declaration that you cannot believe He can forgive you?

As to His triumph, He has broken in pieces the gates of brass. He has cut the bars of iron asunder. He has triumphed gloriously, and He will win His battle and build His city. Then so help me God, as He will permit me, I fain would share the travail that makes His Kingdom come, entering the fellowship of His sufferings, for all the while the light of His resurrection is upon the pathway, and I know that at the last, the things which He has made me suffer will be the things of the unending triumph."

That others have sneaked another name into those titles, responsibilities, and 3rd person pronouns is indeed a shame, but let's not encourage them.