The United States of America has long lingered at the cross roads of racial aggression. For centuries, Presidents, Congress, the Supreme Court, governors, mayors, judges, teachers, administrators, parents, pastors, and captains of industry have conspired to oppress and exploit black and working class citizens. This is not just my opinion. This is an established truth that we all must deal with. Yet, the shadow of the cross falls even at the cross roads of racial aggression. Racial hatred is a sin, and Christ died to wash all sin from the human heart.
The deaths of unarmed black youths at the hands of unrepentant policemen, and the brutal slaying of 3 police officers this past weekend have put the heart of this nation in a crucible. Now, the NY police union’s assertion that peaceful protestors are responsible for the death of the slain policemen is trying to put a gravestone on the nascent New Civil Rights Movement. This is wrong, because the cry for fair treatment at the hands of the police is not a cry for law enforcement abuse or murder. All murder is wrong, and much prayer is needed for families of every victim. Much prayer and right actions are needed to end this vicious circle of violence. For all our considerations about current events, two Bible verses that warn about vigilante justice come to mind:
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. James 1:20 King James Version (KJV)
Vengeance is neither the right nor duty of the individual or mob, because it leaves God out of the equation. Any action that leaves God out of the equation leaves love out as well, because God is love. Where there is no love, there is no mercy, and without mercy there is no justice.
Vengeance does not work the righteousness (love or justice) of God. It does not give justice, and does not build a just society. But, in confronting injustice, believers have no option but to keep up the charge of loving our neighbors as ourselves.
There is a time for anger, but it’s never right to take wrong actions based on anger. In light of the confusion that rails around us, what can believers do? Well, instead of seething in anger, we can choose to surrender our rage and our tears at the foot of the cross. The Bible tells us to cast all our cares upon Him (Jesus) because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). God does not let the wicked go forever without punishment. He is ever willing and able to heal and uplift the broken-hearted.
Our times are frustrating, but even in frustrating times we are to live and speak in a way that glorifies the Lord. Like the Chinese ideogram for crisis, which has a dual meaning of danger and opportunity, this is a time of great danger, but also a time of great opportunity for the faith community. Friend, let us seize the opportunity to love God, ourselves, and our neighbors. As always, let is go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Let us look for opportunities to bear one another’s burdens. Let’s seek peace and pursue it, while seizing every opportunity to both pray and rejoice in the Lord always.
What can you do today to glorify God in the midst of our current distresses?
Until next time, be strong in the Lord and the in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).
Your friend in Christ,
Verneda
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