Tensions are high. Cities across America are facing the challenge of protests and riots. Debates of police brutality, defending private property and CHOP zones have replaced our otherwise mundane water cooler conversations.
So what’s a Christian supposed to do? How did New Testament Christians respond to such turmoil? What does the Bible really say?
Resist Doomsday Fear
Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” Mt. 27:24
It really isn’t anything new. Riot crucified Jesus. Riot has been the language of the people for centuries. It is the one thing that gets kings to bow to the will of the people.
Resist the doomsday fear. The world isn’t really going to hell in a hand basket. Jesus may return soon. He also may not. The world will stand as long as the Most High gives it authority to.
Resist Fighting a Carnal Battle
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Eph. 6:12
Governments rise and fall. Earthly kingdoms come and go. While I do believe the American experiment is a good thing, it isn’t a God thing. Earth things aren’t eternal things.
Yes, I understand our responsibility to respect the governing authorities. I even believe we have an obligation to pray and participate, but at the end of the day the United States of America is not our saving grace. Police are not our enemy. Communism isn’t going to wipe out Christianity. And rioters have a soul too.
Resist Anger
For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:20
When you scroll through Facebook what really gets your blood boiling? Think about that. Put that thing right in front of your brain. Now, ask yourself, does it make God angry?
If we are going to be angry it better be for the things that make God angry.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Rom. 1:18
God gets really mad when truth is suppressed. What truth is it talking about? The gospel truth.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Rom. 1:16-17
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Luke 4:18
Leave a Reply