The death of George Floyd and everything that has unfolded since is nothing short of heart-wrenching and devastating.
Opinions about every aspect of the unrest in the US are flying around. George Floyd, systemic racism, peaceful protests, riots, violence, looting, the police, the President.
Because many storylines are unfolding at once we run the risk of landing in one of two ditches: Adopting a polarizing posture or a posture of cynical indifference.
I find Ed Stetzer's recent comment (tweet to be specific) to be a helpful reminder of a Christian vision:
I ask that you see and embrace the nuance here. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. You don’t have to be on the #blacklivesmatter side or the anti-looting & violence side. That’s a false dichotomy.
Martin Luther King, Jr was the most famous social justice warrior in the 20th century but he did not condone violence. In the same speech, he proclaimed, “A riot is the language of the unheard. What is it that America has failed to hear?” and “Riots are socially destructive and self-defeating…. I condemn riots…. I’m absolutely convinced that a riot merely intensifies the fears of the white community while relieving the guilt.”
This is a moment to champion those striving to break down racial barriers and join them in their effort to bring equality and dignity where there has been systemic injustice.
When Jesus said to love your neighbour He goes on to say that includes those of different ethnicities (Luke 10:36-37) and even our enemies (Matthew 5:43-44). To be a Christian is to be a person of peace (Matthew 5:9) who crosses racial divides and carries out the ministry of reconciliation that Jesus gave us (2 Corinthians 5:18).
"To be a Christian is to be a person of peace who crosses racial divides and carries out the ministry of reconciliation that Jesus gave us"
I invite you to embody these three gospel responses to systemic racism:
1. IT IS A TIME TO LISTEN TO MINORITY VOICES
This is a time to listen to ethnic minorities in order to learn and genuinely empathize with their experience.
When I say listen, I don't mean debate. I mean listen. It is a humble, sacrificial posture that opens one's ears and honours another's story. Who in your life has an experience that you could listen to, empathize with, and learn from?
Additionally, here are some black brothers and sisters in Christ that you could listen to and learn from right now:
Thabiti Anabwile; Esau McCaulley; Trillia Newbell; Charlie Dates; Jackie Hill Perry
I also recommend Mark Vroegop's new book,
Weep With Me: How Lament Opens A Door For Racial Reconciliation
2. IT IS A TIME FOR PERSONAL & CORPORATE REPENTANCE
Our hearts aren’t pure. They’re naturally deceptive, dark, and destructive. This means that my thoughts and actions aren’t void of prejudice and thinking that they are perpetuates the problem. Let this moment put a searchlight on your heart and as it reveals sin, repent of it.
The same applies to corporate repentance. As a church, and the church more broadly, this is a time to repent and seek the healing and reconciliation of the nations.
3. IT IS A TIME FOR PERSONAL & CORPORATE LAMENT
We’ve learned the language of lament in recent months and this is an opportunity for personal and corporate lament.
To jog your memory, Laments ask “Where are you, God?” and “Why is this happening?” Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust. It’s something some of us aren't particularly familiar with or comfortable doing but now is a time for personal and corporate lament. Let lament be your prayer language to bring your questions, confusion, and intercessions to God right now.
Ultimately, this is not a battle against flesh and blood as much as we tend to pin all evil on each other. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). So storm the gates in prayer.
HEAVEN COME DOWN
The picture we see of heaven in Revelation 7 is a multitude from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and language, worshipping Jesus.
"Christian, pursue here what your reality will be there"
Jesus taught us to pray, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Christian, pursue here what your reality will be there.
My encouragement to you is to take this opportunity to listen, repent, and lament.