Have you sensed that now, more than ever, we need the hope of Jesus? In unbelievable ways, our culture is divided, scared, enraged and much like a sheep without a shepherd.
Together with you, we are heartbroken over the racial divides, injustices, murders, riots, bigotry, fear and hate spreading across our country. Like you, we are saddened and seeking Jesus for an appropriate response to somehow speak love to our brothers and sisters who have had to live with racism and hate in ways many of us will never know. How do we tell them that we love them without it seeming small? How do we become more involved without it seeming trite?
All around us, in our homes, in our social media feeds, in our ears and within sight, we are urged to do something: to stand up, to speak out, to go out. These things are so important and necessary. And, with the spirit of Christ, they are powerful, effective, healing and good.
Let’s Remember
But, in order for us to look forward with hope, we must look back and remember what God has spoken about these issues.
When we look back, we see that God made men and women… all nationalities, cultures, colors, and gender in His image. Because of this, all people are precious in the sight of God. We are equal as image-bearers. There is no greater basis for true equality than what we find written in the Bible!
As sin has wreaked havoc on our world, we have seen culture clash against culture, race against race and gender against gender. This has left us oh, so broken, bothered, angry, hurt and sad.
As we look forward, we must remember that the terrible injustices, intentional and unintentional misunderstandings, and unrighteous reactions, are deeply rooted in a greater problem. The issues are not primarily political or even racial — though there are clearly deep, deep problems there.
For the Christian, we must remember that the issue is first and foremost a SPIRITUAL issue. Though mysterious, it seems as if somehow we are walking in the shadow of Revelation 12:12:
“But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.”
Satan has been left to wreak havoc on our world. The fruit of his plan (while causing unspeakable terror to individuals, communities and neighborhoods) is also creating confusion as to where the answers to these deep-seeded problems actually reside.
Jesus Alone
Christian, we have the answer! We know the cornerstone that becomes the capstone. The answer begins and ends in Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ alone.
Jesus alone can transform the human heart from pain to peace.
Jesus alone can transform the human heart from hatred to hope.
He alone can right every wrong and bring justice out of injustice.
He alone can show us the riches and beauty of every nationality, culture and tongue because He made them all and they are precious in His sight.
Jesus alone can understand our deepest hurts and our inmost longings for justice.
Jesus, more than any man or woman who ever lived, was wrongfully accused, deeply despised, hated, hunted, beaten, betrayed, forgotten, abandoned, marginalized, minimized, tortured and murdered by the hands of those who should have protected Him the most.
He endured all of this and will one day come again to restore a new Kingdom, right every wrong, bind every wound and gather every tribe, tongue and nation unto the oneness of His glory.
Looking Forward
Christian, as we look forward — with eyes of clarity and hope — it must be to Jesus, who is our answer and power for real heart change. He is the catalyst for authentic love and life-changing light. We can’t forget the life He lived.
We must look forward to Jesus coming again and righting every wrong as One who truly understands.
Look forward to Jesus — who calls us to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. And to love our neighbor — the people in our community, our neighborhoods and our cities — to love them as ourselves.
We mourn, pray and grieve along with those who weep and suffer during these heart-breaking times. But, in our weeping, there is hope. In our prayers, there is expectation. With our feet, there is loving, appropriate action. In our faith, there is great joy found in Jesus and in Jesus alone.
What to do?
Many of you are looking for the next right thing to do. That’s really good, necessary and right.
Remember that the sickness we see is primarily a spiritual problem and it requires a spiritual doctor. Jesus. Because you know Him, tell others all about Him.
Also, we encourage you to pray. Pray for your brothers and sisters in every neighborhood and city. Intercede for the innocent and vulnerable. Pray that the Church would arise in these times of crisis. Pray that the demonic strongholds of bitterness, hatred, fear, greed, racism and pride would be defeated. Ask the Lord for a spiritual awakening.
In addition to praying, reach out and build relationships, understanding, learning and true empathy with your neighbor. Put feet to your faith by building relationships; they may lead to Gospel opportunities.
Finally, we thought you would be blessed by a few resources that have encouraged us (see below). As we share these resources, we ask that you cling tightly to Jesus and allow His Spirit and His Word to lead you above all (according to His will and your conscience).
We love you, Church. In the words of the Apostle Paul:
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed… perplexed, but not driven to despair… hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NLT)
Looking to Jesus — our Hope,
Steele (on behalf of The Rock Pastors)
Suggested Resources:
A Lesson from Dr. Tony Evans
A Prayer List from Pastor Tom Short
God’s Fatherly Heart on the George Floyd Horror by Pastor Mark Discoll
Posted in A Word from the Pastor, Statements