Psalm 56:4 (NIV)
In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
This could be a timely word for us as we watch the unprecedented civil disobedience and violence that has gripped several of our cities across the nation. Though many people sought to peaceably demonstrate to express their heartfelt outrage over what occurred in Minneapolis; the anarchy that has erupted through those whose hearts and minds are bent on destruction is beyond words. Why have so many people seemingly lost their ability to conduct themselves with respect for others? And just how are riots and mayhem going to resurrect the life of an innocent man? What causes a law enforcement officer to subdue a person with such wanton disregard for their life? In the end, we cannot turn to evil to right an evil … any more than hate will ever resolve hate. O, God help us and give us wisdom and discernment in these troubled times….
Beyond understandable human emotion … what we are witnessing now is evil … demonic evil. “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come….” (Cf. Mark 7:21) And, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.” (Cf. John 3:20) Only now … there appears to be no fear of exposure. The lapse of moral conscience is evident. The evil intents of the heart are no longer concealed. It is on our televisions and social media 24/7 in full view….
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV)
1 But mark this: There will be perilous times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
James 3:13-16 (NIV)
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
So a few thoughts came to mind when I read this verse:
Romans 12:16-18 (NIV)
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
1 Peter 3:10-13 (NIV)
10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. 11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (Cf. Psalm 34:12-16) 13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
Luke 12:2-5 (NIV)
2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. 4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him.
Regardless of the circumstances and events going on in our world, we are to trust in God and to not be afraid. We need to pray for those who are hurting … the family and friends of George Floyd. And we need to pray for our civil authorities and law enforcement. It is disingenuous to characterize all law enforcement based the horrific conduct of a few individuals. So pray for those in law enforcement who will be called to righteous engagement against the anarchy that has erupted and spread. Yes, we need to pray for peace within our communities and for the governing authorities to protect all people from lawlessness and evil….
Romans 13:1-5 (NIV)
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
So Now You Know 