Over the last five days, eight cities around the United States experienced mass shootings. My city, Baltimore, was one of those cities. Something has been happening right under our noses – something deeper. “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). This verse is in the midst of a multitude that is framing the signs we have on this Earth. The evil you see and the nonsense you hear about is just a sign of our Lord’s coming. As Paul urges us to ‘be alert’ he also encourages us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
The phrase thoughts and prayers have become a blanket to sleep under instead of a sword and shield to fight. “Hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the spirit, which is in the word of God“(Ephesians 6:16-17). So if I am given an armor, that means there is a war at hand. Understand that these horrific events that consist of people thinking they have the right to end the lives of others are not a coincidence, but further evidence that we are undoubtedly in the end times. There is no such thing as coincidence in God’s eyes and there should not be to God‘s people. As I scroll through the names that are soon to be on tombstones in the next two weeks, I cannot help but think of one thing. If there is something to do, we as a church and the body of Christ, can do, we need to do it.
As defined by the Oxford dictionary, terrorism is an act of unlawful violence in order to intimidate and pursue a political goal. We have terrorist groups in the United States of America. White supremacy is a terrorist group – plain and simple. Not only should all citizens of this country express and push for the dismantling of this group and others but the church should be at the forefront of it. And before the return of Jesus is used as an excuse to ignore these issues, “I tell you the truth, what you have forbidden on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven“(Matthew 18:18). This is in reference to prayer, but that transcends to this physical world.
The question is, how do we actively fight for our community? If you are a citizen of the United States, you have rights. One is to vote. If you are not registered, do that first (https://vote.gov/). Now it’s your time to make your representatives aware of the issues you want to be solved. Domestic terrorism is an issue long expressed but mildly acted on. We need an act that not only condemns it but requires a response that involves a trial and sentencing. It’s time to fight!
We have hope! “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Child of God, you are taken care of. You are not to be troubled or to fear this world for “look I have given you authority over all power of the enemy, you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you” (Luke 10:19). Take all this light and shine on this world. They need you, they need us.
