On Tuesday, the 44th President of the United States will take the oath of office. As has been the custom for nearly every president, he will place his hand on a Bible as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court administers the constitutionally prescribed oath. The particular Bible to be used is one used by Abraham Lincoln on the occasion of his first inaugural in 1861. It is a King James Bible printed in 1853 and is kept by the Library of Congress. There is no requirement that a Bible be used by a president; in fact, the words "so help me God" are not in the Constitution, but have been customarily spoken by presidents throughout the years.

Question: Why would one take an oath with a hand upon a Bible? The symbolism is quite clear: a person making a solemn and sacred promise would naturally reach out to something that was likewise sacred. We who embrace the gospel of Christ affirm the sacred nature of the Scriptures. The Bible is God's authoritative Word delivered to us.

So what can we learn from this little civics lesson? How about this: In our times of decision, change, or transition, let's reach out to the sacred book that God has given us. In it we will find God's direction, comfort and contentment for our lives. We have the opportunity to access the teaching of God's Word both this morning and this Sunday. Thank you for being a part of a special time in the sacred Book.

Jesse Waggoner