Goodbye Brown, Hello Cameron - The Speeches

Historic scenes in Downing Street yesterday.  I was moved and encouraged by both speeches from Gordon Brown and David Cameron.  We should thank God that we live in a country where power changes hands without violence, but with dignity and respect.  Here are the videos of their speeches (not cut'n'pasted like last time!).

First, Gordon Brown resigns as Prime Minister and as leader of the Labour party. Highlights include an admission of human frailties including his own (1:03), the delight in serving rather than in the pomp and ceremony of the job (1:11), and his loving tribute to his family (2:27).  Listen to his parting words, men.  "And as I leave the second most important job I could ever hold, I cherish even more the first, as a husband and father."

Next, David Cameron accepts the position as the Prime Minister of a new British coalition government.  Great for him to honour the previous administration (0:12), his emphasis on everyone serving (2:42), and the admission that this will be hard work (3:35).  Although not at all a Marxist, I often summarise a key part of my political opinions with Karl Marx's phrase, "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need."  I was very pleasantly surprised, therefore, to hear Cameron saying something similar - "a guide for that society, that those who can should, and those who can't we will always help."

Whatever our opinions, whoever we voted for, if Peter could tell persecuted Christians to "honour the emperor" (1 Peter 2:17), even the emperor who killed them, then all Christians should commit to honour and pray for David Cameron and our leaders.  Romans 13:1-7 says God has put them in authority over us to be obeyed.  1 Timothy 2:1-8 says we should lift them up in prayer.  I may not have voted Tory or Lib Dem, but I hope you'll hold me to account for praying for and respecting their joint leadership.

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons;

he sets up kings and deposes them."

(Daniel 2:20-21)