On My Mind...
Have you ever been to an orchestra concert? The concert begins with the orchestra tuning up. The first oboist plays a single A on her oboe, a note taken up in turn by the strings, the woodwinds, and the brass. Then chaos breaks loose as each musician plays his or her own notes. It is not music, it is discord. You won’t find any CDs of “great orchestra tune ups!” Sometimes during the warmup, a musician will run through a few notes of a solo they have later in the piece. Or one might run through a difficult section in the third movement – which means every now and then, during the chaos – music is heard. That’s what the last week has been for me. In the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk I’ve heard all kinds of “notes.” Some of them disappointing, some encouraging, some disgusting and infuriating. I’ve heard things from the left that leave me speechless. I’ve heard things from the right that embarrass me. I’ve heard things from Christians that make me want to scream.
Yes, this was an evil, wicked act and I’m glad a suspect is in custody, and I pray justice is done. I’m grieved for a young widow and two precious children, now fatherless. I grieve for a nation so deeply divided and for this reminder that we live in a fallen, sin-cursed world. I understand the hurt; I sympathize with the frustration and the anger so many feel. I appreciate the fact that many are now awakened and want to do something. I just pray our energies are focused in the right direction. I pray that we are not shortsighted in our response. I pray that we, in the church, not lose sight of our calling.
Responding to our culture demands that we recognize and proclaim that ideas have consequences. Ideology/worldview matters. When we neglect or deny creation realities and the biblical understand of the nature of man and the demands of our Creator – there are serious consequences. The result is a disorder society. By all means, organize, vote, rally and lobby for righteous causes but do not neglect our fundamental responsibilities of prayer, embracing, declaring and living out biblical truth. The best we can do for our country is, be who our God called us to be. Be salt and light by declaring and faithfully living out the truth we profess. Recognize our true fight is not against flesh and blood but principalities and powers. No, I’m not saying, “Oh, just pray about it.” I’m not asking you to choose between political action or prayer. It’s not “either or” it is “both and.” Yes, I’m afraid it is a matter of us versus them. I just want you to have a biblically informed understand of “them.”
I will see you Sunday for worship. Have a blessed week!
Rod
Yes, this was an evil, wicked act and I’m glad a suspect is in custody, and I pray justice is done. I’m grieved for a young widow and two precious children, now fatherless. I grieve for a nation so deeply divided and for this reminder that we live in a fallen, sin-cursed world. I understand the hurt; I sympathize with the frustration and the anger so many feel. I appreciate the fact that many are now awakened and want to do something. I just pray our energies are focused in the right direction. I pray that we are not shortsighted in our response. I pray that we, in the church, not lose sight of our calling.
Responding to our culture demands that we recognize and proclaim that ideas have consequences. Ideology/worldview matters. When we neglect or deny creation realities and the biblical understand of the nature of man and the demands of our Creator – there are serious consequences. The result is a disorder society. By all means, organize, vote, rally and lobby for righteous causes but do not neglect our fundamental responsibilities of prayer, embracing, declaring and living out biblical truth. The best we can do for our country is, be who our God called us to be. Be salt and light by declaring and faithfully living out the truth we profess. Recognize our true fight is not against flesh and blood but principalities and powers. No, I’m not saying, “Oh, just pray about it.” I’m not asking you to choose between political action or prayer. It’s not “either or” it is “both and.” Yes, I’m afraid it is a matter of us versus them. I just want you to have a biblically informed understand of “them.”
I will see you Sunday for worship. Have a blessed week!
Rod