Abraham Lincoln and his Bible

Today is Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States of America, serving from 1861 to 1865. His presidency was marked by the American Civil War in which he managed to preserve the Union. He was also instrumental in ending slavery in the United States. Lincoln died after being assassinated on 14 April 1865. He is considered by many to have been the greatest American president.



This also seems to be the view of the current American president, Barack Obama. He frequently referred to and quoted from Lincoln in the past few years and themed his inauguration around Lincoln. Barack Obama was sworn in as president at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and, by his special request, while placing his hand on Lincoln's Bible. I also read recently that Obama removed a bust of Winston Churchill in the Oval Office and replaced it by one of Abraham Lincoln.

Certainly, it is still far too early to be able to compare Obama with Lincoln. But what we can be said for sure is that Obama has chosen a good role model. Abraham Lincoln was an avid reader of the Bible and enjoyed quoting from and referring to God's Word whenever possible. But for Lincoln, the Bible was more than just a book containing nice quotes.

Here is what Abraham Lincoln had to say about the Bible:

In regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.

The Bible has the best counsel for living. And it is much needed for governing rightly - especially if you are the president of the United States.

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130)