Simplistically speaking, a significant part of what America is witnessing on the streets are groups of multicultural 20-something singles who have become alienated from God, Country and Family. Some have crossed the line from peaceful protesting, which Americans should celebrate, to out and out violence.
we have no one to blame but ourselves
They bear responsibility for what they are doing. But we have let them down. Our families have let them down. Our schools have let them down. The media has let them down. Our government has let them down. Yes, even churches have let them down, by failing to preach the truth in love.
We have kicked the God of the Bible out of our lives, and we are beginning to reap what we have sown.
While their thuggery and looting should be roundly punished, the ironic thing is that some of their beefs with society are entirely legitimate: They see the hypocrisy, oppression of the poor, and inequities in our society. They are horrified over the MURDER of George Floyd, as most are.
They are frustrated and see no hope, so they act out violently in hopes of creating change.
Yet, this uprising is doomed to failure because their moral compass is not the Bible, but their guide is the media and the pontifications of some university professors. Sadly, the number of students with no faith in God has sky-rocketed, so the vacuum is filled by these dubious sources of “truth”.
But here’s the sadder, and even more ironic part: If society would have just taught these kids the truth that is in God’s word, they would have seen that Jesus actually had similar beefs, and He came to lay down His life for the very ills that have them so upset.
One of Jesus’ first words in public ministry are found here:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” Luke 4:18
Jesus IS the answer, not rioting and looting. A changed heart from the inside out, one by one, by the power of God’s Spirit, is the ONLY answer. Jesus died on the cross to break down racial barriers and reconcile all people to Himself. He is only way to peace because He IS our peace.
what does jesus think of the rioters?
So people have asked me how Jesus would view the rioters. First of all, He would look on them as sinners. I would say we are all a bunch of rotten sinners without Jesus in our lives.
My answer is found in the words of Jesus:
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matt. 9:36-38
I’m justifiably angry over the lawlessness and destruction. If they have committed criminal acts, they need to be brought to justice, just as officers who commit police brutality need to be brought to justice.
But the Lord has also convicted me recently that I need to look on these 20 Something singles as lost, harassed and helpless, and in desperate need of a Shepherd.
For those of you who don’t know, Matthew 9:36-38 is actually the proof text for Oasis Church. We are a multicultural church. Our mission is to reach hurting and hungry and harassed people all over, but especially on college campuses where the need is so great.
What we are seeing in the streets is the exact reason Oasis church has locations on Rutgers Campus and near Kean University.
Please pray that Jesus and His Peace may become a reality in their lives, and in the lives of everyone in this country.
Shalom.
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