Grace Family, the events at the Capitol yesterday were disturbing for most anyone who watched them unfold. The elders of our church want to call us as a Body to intentional and fervent prayer for our nation as God continues to reveal to us the brokenness among us and the brokenness within us.
While we know that not every person involved yesterday is a Christ-follower, seeing the name of Jesus on signs and flags at the Capitol sends a very confusing message to the world about His Kingdom and how it operates. It grieves us that seeing Jesus’ name associated with the violent parts of the protest could likely harden hearts of those who don’t know Him and make them more cynical towards His Church.
When Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God, He said, “Blessed are the meek, the poor in spirit, the hungry, the mourners, for theirs is the kingdom.” He said that His followers are to love their enemies, to pray for those who are against them, to turn the other cheek. He said that those who want to be great in His Kingdom must have childlike trust and be the servant of all. He said that we would be known by our humility and love for one another.
We just celebrated Christmas, God coming to earth not as powerful ruler but as a humble baby. And in a few months we will celebrate Easter, when Jesus conquered sin and evil through a humiliating, humble, and sacrificial death. He endured rejection and scorn and weakness to bless His enemies (that would be ALL of us) and to offer us mercy. Jesus washed the feet of His betrayer, forgave the friends who abandoned Him, and blessed those who cursed him. These should be the marks of His disciples as well.
We pray for those watching around our country who are filled with fear, anger, and doubt. We pray for our elected officials and law enforcement officers who feared for their lives yesterday, for those who were injured, and for those who go about their work in DC still filled with fear today. And we pray for those who were so filled with anger and fear that they overran the Capitol. As one of our elders noted, Fear is one of the most powerful and divisive weapons that Satan has. Fear has the ability to turn each of us from brave to a coward, from strong to weak, and from peaceful to destructive.
As Believers, we are being tempted to allow our trust in each other to dissolve into a Fox News or CNN segment on who is more righteous. If Scripture is any indication, however, we know that God wants to see grace, mercy, justice, truth and trust in God amongst his people.
Should Christians have a voice in our political debates? Sure. Should Christians protest peacefully? You bet. Can Christians claim a political party? Of course. But when our disagreements dissolve into Fear, we are being led astray.
As we engage our series on the Holy Spirit, we pray that we all listen and follow where God is leading us. Please take time today to humbly pray and ask God to have mercy on our nation. It is not a day to double down on our political allegiances. Instead we are to ask God to help us live in the ways and heart of Jesus. We are called to live with mercy, grace, and hope, and not let fear lead us, drive us, or divide us.