Incomplete Thoughts on Murder

I don’t typically speak out on matters of national prominence, at least not publicly or on social media. I have many of those conversations privately. I’ve discussed at length my thoughts about our nation’s and state’s response to COVID-19. I have my thoughts on the veracity of the pandemic and the constitutionality of “shutdowns,” but I’ll save those for another time. What I want to discuss tonight is prompted by the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. Like I said, I usually reserve my thoughts for those who are among my flock, my congregants; That’s where God has called me. But I also know there are others, perhaps on social media, that may read this as well. Further, I’ve seen where people have called on white evangelicals to speak out. So, here I am. I’m speaking out. If that makes me “woke” then so be it.

First of all, Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time to mourn…and that time is now. After seeing this story surface last night, it’s been on my mind all day. I can’t fathom what Ahmaud’s family is going through, but it doesn’t end there. I can’t imagine what my brothers, who happen to have darker shades of skin than me, are going through. I pray for them. I also pray for pastors and churches in Ahmaud’s community. I know some of them. This is absolutely heartbreaking.

Many people have rightly called this racism, but I believe there are stronger words: Hatred. Evil. Sinister. Demonic. Satanic. I used to be conflicted about how governments enact justice, for I understand that God’s forgiveness extends even to the most evil of humans. But eternal justification does not remove earthly condemnation and punishment. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that past sins hold no ramification on future events. Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. (Prov. 26:11) A convicted child abuser may be forgiven, but he doesn’t get to be a babysitter. Therefore, I pray that our justice system will act diligently, to the fullest extent of the law, and swiftly in this situation. This has to stop. At the same time, I pray that the perpetrators come to know and understand the grace of God. 

I believe racism is a symptom. We will never end racism until we attack the underlying cause and to do so, we must return to using a word that has become taboo – SIN. We must recognize sin and call it what it is. Only then we will be able to correctly understand the solution. John tells us that Christ came not to judge the world but to save it. (John 3:16-17)   There is an answer to evil and His name is Jesus.

Let’s be careful not to pick and choose which sins get our attention. In this instance, it’s racism, murder, hatred. If we only attack the manifestations of sins, then we are still not getting at the problem. Something supernatural must take place within the human heart. Behavior modification only works to teach your dog new tricks. It does nothing to root out evil in man’s hearts.

I grieve today but I have hope about the future. One day, there will be no more tears. No more mourning. No more sadness. No more death. For Jesus Christ is the eternal King. Justice will finally be realized. My prayer for you, if you are still reading this, is that you know King Jesus. And if you do, I pray that you seek ways to truly love your brother. Listen to him. Seek to understand. Even so, come Lord Jesus.