I would, however, like to focus attention upon one specific word used by Warren:

“I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus, Jesus (hay-SOOS)…”

A fair amount of debate and controversy has arisen over Rick Warren’s use of the word “Isa.” Isa, his critics claim, is a name (from the Qur’an) used for Jesus by Arab Muslims. Arab Christians, on the other hand, widely use the name Yasu’ for Jesus. Isa, a prophet, was not God-incarnate nor was he the son of God.  He was neither crucified nor was he raised from the dead. Isa is not the Jesus of the Bible.

This is a problem.

By praying in the name of Isa, Warren has incorporated a Muslim concept of Jesus into a Christian prayer. Muslims have been allowed to define terms as they see fit while the Biblical truth of the nature of Jesus Christ has been lost in translation.

For the Jesus of the Bible is the son of God, fully human and fully divine. He was crucified and raised again, so that sins might be forgiven.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-20, ESV)

It is only by the blood of Jesus that Rick Warren and other Believers might approach a most holy God with their prayers and petitions.

Jesus, Yasu’.  Not Isa.

Now seems to be a very appropriate time for me to point out that I am not an expert on this topic.  If you have further insight to offer on either side if this issue, please include it in the comments below. Please also note any helpful resources you may stumble across.

January 20, 2009 has quickly come to an end and there is little I can say to capture the significance of today’s events that has not already been said. Today, the pages of tomorrow’s history books were written before my very eyes. Today, I am especially proud to call myself an American.

Here are a few of my thoughts regarding the day’s events:

• It wasn’t an entirely happy day for me. In fact, I would say that my mood today has been downright somber. Some of you who know me well might guess that this is because I didn’t vote for Barack Obama. Good guess…but no. Our country is lost. Did you see it? Americans desperately yearn for change, for hope, for restoration, for joy, for happiness, for renewal and reconciliation. Unfortunately, they are looking to a mere man, Barack Obama, to provide all of these things. They will be left unfulfilled. True hope, joy, happiness, restoration, renewal, and restoration are found only in Christ. We have been given an incredible opportunity and platform to share the Gospel with those around us. Will we respond?
• George W. Bush has been shown very little respect by his critics. In fact, he was mocked today as he arrived at the inauguration ceremony. The office of the Presidency demands a certain amount of respect – respect that President Bush was rarely shown. It is not wrong to disagree with the President, but one should disagree respectfully. I pray that Christians (many of whom, like myself, passionately disagree with President Obama on countless issues) show our President the respect he deserves. We are being watched and must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
• Say what you will about Pastor Rick Warren, but it was wonderful to hear the name of Jesus proclaimed boldly at the end of his Inauguration Prayer. 
• I fear that many are guilty of raising up Barack Obama as an idol.  
• I hope that one day, events such as these will not be surrounded with such celebration, as they will be commonplace.
• Obama is has an incredible ability to motivate and inspire with his rhetoric, but how well will he perform in the trenches?
• I am amazed at the number of people who refer to President Obama as simply “Barack.” I can’t imagine he appreciates that any more than George, Bill, George, Ronald, or Jimmy did.  
• Pastor John Piper recalls some very relevant thoughts about Being Pro-Life Christians Under a Pro-Choice President.
• CNN.com Live with Facebook was incredible.

 I look forward to seeing what our sovereign Lord does in our country over the next four years. May He be glorified.

Please take the time to read Eric Redmond’s guest post on Justin Taylor’s blog in which he outlines his thoughts and reactions regarding the 2008 presidential race and the election of Barack Obama.  Jon Bloom of Desiring God describes Redmond’s post well by saying, “It’s the most beautiful articulation I have read or heard of the marvel and the mourning many of us are experiencing in this historic moment.”

Well worth your time, I assure you.

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