And all the people rose to their feet in unison and declared, “None of us will return home! No, not even one of us!
(Judges 20:8 NLT)

As I watch the videos across broadcasting stations and social media platforms, I can’t imagine what he thought and feared as he laid there with knees pinning him to the ground. Knowing that death was imminent! What were his last thoughts as he cried out to mama? Were there any regrets of things done and undone? How was he affected by CoVid-19? What were the dreams he desired to live into? What legacy did he leave behind? So many unanswered questions.

Since the times of old, the ramification of decisions made have proven to exemplify that consequences of sin can ultimately result in great losses. The tribe of Benjamin were almost annihilated due to a handful of them committing a horrific crime. They wore disobedience as something to be proud of. It caused a civil war leaving only 600 Benjaminites. Tens of thousands were killed! I’d venture to say that they never imagined experiencing the ramifications of what they did. They never saw that coming!

God’s grace and mercy was upon them!

Our gracious Lord could have had all of them killed. But instead He chose to spare them from total annihilation. For from the 600 surviving men of the tribe of Benjamin, arose the first anointed king of Israel. A long-awaited monarchy requested by the Israelites. God showed how something good can come from evil.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgement.’
(Matthew 5:21 NLT)

This is what is certain. During these tumultuous times, his death has sparked civil unrest throughout cities near and far. On our soil and lands across the seas. There’s no doubt that the globe is in unison declaring justice. I don’t know the “Why” for each person’s response but the general consensus is the idea of an egalitarian society. We all have had our own view of how and when it’s time for a difference to be seen among humanity. An equitable change. And I do  believe that change is expected now.

During this season of life, we’ve all witnessed unprecedented times. CoVid-19 has undoubtedly affected each one of us in some way or another. Death. Joblessness. Homelessness. Families divided. Yet, within this season, another unprecedented occurrence has taken place. Unforeseen. Worldwide protest. Riots. Looting. Destruction. Fires. Unrelated economic losses added to the current crisis of CoVid-19 financial hardship already imposed on millions of people. Hope deferred.

What’s to come remains uncertain.

Many are demanding change. To assist the process in their endeavors, theses outward stances are being exhibited. The result of the death of an unarmed and non-violent person. An act that violates God’s laws. He clearly stated anyone who is guilty of such acts are liable to judgement. But then we think, whose judgement? Our personal beliefs? His commandments? Laws of the land? Where do we find our rest? Our peace? Our justice?

For this how God loved the world: He gave His One and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16 NLT)

We live in a beautiful world filled with many ugly things. Jesus knew that. In fact, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit had already decided from the beginning of time, that we must be saved from ourselves. Therefore, Jesus had descended upon us from heaven to provide what we desperately needed, a Savior.

He offered us the opportunity to choose our eternity!

As I began to understand the significance of Christ’s crucifixion and the impact it had on my life, there wasn’t and isn’t anything I want more than to love Him with every fiber of my being. Knowing that all my sins have been and continue to be purchased by His Blood, and therefore, atoned for, freeing me from all I deserved and will deserve. I’m released from the chains that held me captive to sin. He came to detoxify me from the snare of my enemy whose sole mission is to kill, steal, and destroy!

Obedience. Disobedience. Is there a difference?

Many today are faced with a theological conundrum. These doubts hinder our ability to embrace the sacrifice made for our salvation. In lieu of this, matters are taken into their own hands. But God calls us to turn to Him. God calls us to believe in His truth. God calls us to be in relationship with one another. God calls us to obedience of His commandments. God calls us to trust in Him to seek justice. We get to choose whether or not we will. It exemplifies the free will offered to us. After all, love forced on any of us isn’t love at all. Because of His love for us, His death for us was His choice. Our love for Him is our choice. A choice we’re freely given!

But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name.
(John 20:31 NLT)

The Jews had long waited for their Messiah. However, when He arrived, He wasn’t received with open arms. With love. With hope. Instead, He was denied. Tortured. Crucified. It didn’t matter all the miracles that took place. Those recorded and not recorded. They certainly didn’t believe He was the Son of God. In fact, He had been accused of being their enemy and condemned to death.

I’ve seen in my life the power the name of Jesus offers us! It transformed and continues to transform me. It  provided and continues to provide for me. It healed me and continues to provide healing. It comforted me and continues to comfort me. It delivered me and continues to deliver me from the enemy. All these things for me. I know He will do all things for you too. But you must be intentional about believing this truth! Jesus is the Truth, The Way, and The Life. No one can go to the Father if they don’t go through Jesus first. He makes the darkness tremble and shines an everlasting light over our lives.

The absence of obedience leads only to destruction!

But hearts continue to be filled with the world’s false beliefs. The power of the Lord’s name isn’t seen in these unprecedented times of biological uncertainty, economic insecurity, and civil unrest. It’s not understood that He came to deliver everyone from all that binds them. We’re called to live into the freedom His love brings us. To see the delights of being relational with those around us. To extend ourselves in love, bringing the essence of hope in trying times.

A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock.
(John 10:12 NLT)

Here’s the thing, Jesus came for everyone! He wasn’t a hired hand. The wages here was His life for ours! His ministry wasn’t to abandon anyone. He came to be the Shepherd for all of us who was and is willing to have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to receive. But we can’t do any of that when living in darkness. We must embrace the salt and light He came to give us. Our love must overpower all the bitterness in our hearts and be replaced with love. His love. Hope can only prevail when we purposefully choose it over all that has challenged us, enabling us to be able to offer it to others.

He will, at the perfect time, do what is just.

I know this is difficult when something incomprehensible occurs. Jesus knows it’s difficult. But it’s not impossible. We can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us! He’s faithful to deliver. And when we don’t think He has in that moment of uncontrollable grief, hold on because He knows all things and His timing is not only perfect but far beyond what we can understand.

He knows the plans He has for us. Everything has a purpose. We can’t see nor understand that because of our limited abilities. But as our Creator, He sees far and wide, beyond all we can think or imagine. In all the suffering I’ve experienced, He has always demonstrated that good prevails when I surrender to Him. That truth holds firm for all of us!

Will you choose to believe He will judge on your behalf?

Dear Lord Jesus, forgive us Lord when we seek to do things our own way. Amid the pride and anguish of wrongful acts, we allow ourselves to be led by the flesh. Jesus, help believe You’re the Messiah. Help us believe You’re the Only Son of God. Help us believe there’s life in the power of Your Holy Name, Jesus! Lord, You’re perfect in all Your ways. There isn’t anything about You that denies us the Truth of who You are. You’ve always been and continue to be faithful in all Your ways. Even when we feel the need to be justified in our decisions. Thank You for Your presence. We need Your mercy and grace. Help us to be the salt and light of the earth reflecting the love and freedom You came to give us. Reflecting the chains You came to free us from. Help us love one another regardless of the differences between us. Lord I’m believing that something good will result from these unprecedented times. I don’t know what it will be but I trust You and that’s enough for me.

It is in Your Son’s Name Jesus Christ we pray.                                       Songs: I Can’t Believe
Amen.                                                                                                                 Grace To Grace

God bless you and yours.
I love you.

In His Grip,