Many of us must have been shocked by watching the event in Washington D.C at the U.S Capitol on January 6. There was an insurrection led by the extremists who support the current president. They damaged federal property smashing windows and doors. They trespassed the capitol and threatened our democracy. Most importantly five people died at the capitol, including a police officer. Who is going to be responsible for their life? No one. No one can bring their lives back again. They are gone. When we allow to let our anger and hatred drive us, there might be horrible consequences we will never take any responsibility. Yes, As far as a life concerned, Jesus always prioritized a person’s life over everything. He said, “Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives?” (Matthew 16:26)
What people give in exchange for their lives? Nothing. Nothing cannot replace our life. Living in such a divisive world, what can we show as Christians to people in our community when they are forced to stand right or left? Maybe we can bring the classical question again, WWJD. What would Jesus do? We have seen that Jesus had always concerned about the life of others. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and he overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple when religion was being used for enslaving people. Life was the top priority concerns in Jesus’ ministry. In the decisions we are making, are they concerned about for promoting the life of others? Or just for us or me? What else would you share with me about Jesus’ politics I can learn? Please share with me. That might be something we can imagine what Jesus would do. The Bible said, “So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, you should do it all for God’s glory.”
How can we pray for our country? Naming sin as sin is the first step toward forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation. That is what Christians called repentance. Naming sin is not to condemn somebody or ourselves, but it is to be forgiven and to be in a right relationship.
Unfortunately so many times we lose the chances to repent but change it to arguing, blaming, defensiveness, or hiding. "The Woman You gave me, she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate.” (Gen 3:12)
IT'S NOT ME!! BUT YOU AND THE WOMAN DID!!!
This is part of who we are. Whatever we call it "White Supremacy, Trumpism, or Racism", it is not just to debate or argue, but it is something that we all have become involved in making such monsters in our society so it is to repent together. Name it and repent!
That's what Nehemiah prayed to God. He prayed as if his country's sin is his own sin. "I confess the sins of the people of Israel, which we have committed against you. Both I and my family have sinned."(Neh. 1:6b) LET US PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY.
Peace,
Pastor Heewon