As President Joe Biden begins his leadership of the United States, he has made calls for peace and unity in the country. Former President Donald Trump issued similar thoughts in some of his outgoing speeches. The desire for such a thing is warranted after all our nation has been through in the last year, from riots in major cities to chaos at the capital. I agree whole heartedly! Words are a start. But, where do we go from there? It is easy to say, but hard to do.
I always look to Jesus and the Bible in times like this, which gives us a command to live by that is relevant, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
Jesus illustrated how to do this. He spent much of His three-year ministry doing good to the people of His nation. He fed the poor, healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, stilled dangerous weather, forgave sins and taught people how to live godly lives. He was hailed by the people and built an incredible movement rapidly. Lives were being changed day by day. Jesus and His work was great for the nation. Yet, the leaders constantly condemned Him. He was viewed as a threat. They were continually scheming to stop His ministry and eventually they came to their most desperate measure – murder. They conspired to kill Him and succeeded (but only for three days).
How did Jesus respond to this evil? He never returned evil with evil, instead He returned evil with good. While He was dying unjustly on His cross, He prayed for those who put Him there saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
Jesus did not respond with bitter, angry words demonizing his opponents. Rather, in a calm and peaceful tone, He spoke truthful and graciously. When they splattered evil upon Him, He patiently responded showing undeserved grace.
Did this change a nation? Yes! Three days later Jesus rose from the dead, then a short time after that, His followers went across the nation speaking about His life and teachings. Multitudes were transformed and began to overcome evil with good as Jesus did. Did it vanquish the nation of evil? No. Jesus did not promise that. Through His resurrection, He overcame evil. He triumphed over it. And when we turn from our sin and trust in Him with all our heart, that resurrection power comes to live within us. Therein lays the answer. With Christ in us, evil does not have to control our hearts. Instead, we can be controlled by the love of Christ.
What is the opposite of this? There is a statement in the Bible that says if we return evil for evil instead of good, then evil will perpetually live in our house. We will never be rid of it because of constantly encouraging it. In our natural humanness our instinct is to fight back. We feel justified in doing so because of the evil done to us. Consequently, we use all the levers of power and influence to retaliate. In such cases, evil remains in control, and around and around we go.
Through the Spirit of Christ working in us let us not bow to the temptation to speak evil of those whom we oppose. Let us be truthful, with wisdom and kindness, not flattering. Forgiveness is a choice and command. Through the risen Lord, forgive those who have harmed you and continue to do so, refusing to acknowledge their wrong. Do not allow the dark, sharp and bony fingers of evil to grip your heart.
Yes, we can work toward a more peaceful nation, but it can only be done through the transforming power of Christ in us. Only He has the power to enable us to overcome evil with good. Turn to the merciful Savior and invite Him to change you.
A prayer for you - “Lord God, You are the only hope for our nation. You, working in the hearts of people. Rid us of selfishness, pride and a spirit of revenge and retaliation. Let us return good to the evil thrown at us. Help us when we are weak. Help us to love and forgive. In Jesus name. Amen.”
This is an often-asked question, “Should a pastor or other Christians address cultural (or social) issues or just keep focused on the gospel?” Sometimes speaking on culturally touchy subjects can cause division, tension or have negative consequences. This is a complex question for some. What is the answer? As a person who has wrestled with this, I found much help from a story about John the Baptist.
John preceded Jesus and became the most influential religious figure throughout Israel in a matter of weeks. His phenomenal ministry rocketed upward quickly and ended about the same way six months later. And it ended due to what we are talking about – a cultural issue. He took on adultery, divorce and remarriage.
Herod Antipas was the political leader over Israel, appointed to that role by the occupying Roman Empire. Herod had taken notice of John’s rising ministry and John had taken notice of Herod’s lifestyle. In particular, John was deeply troubled by something Herod had done. While Herod was married, he went to visit his brother and had an affair with his sister-in-law, who was also his niece. She divorced his brother, Herod divorced his wife, and they married. Herod did not do this in secret. The whole nation, including all the religious leaders, knew what he had done. Yet, because Herod was a ruthless leader -- punishing, even killing, anyone who opposed him; no one challenged him – except one man. John.
Herod’s immoral behavior became a cultural issue. As the highest political leader in the land, his actions had influence. He affected culture. Silence among the spineless Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and the entire Sanhedrin was akin to acceptance of Herod’s behavior.
John spoke to Herod about his actions. He pointed out how they were lawless, having violated God’s laws. No doubt John addressed it in his messages to the people of Israel. This angered Herod’s wife, which eventually was the cause of John being arrested and thrown in prison.
What drove John to talk about it? He was driven by the Word of God. He knew the Word was divinely inspired and authoritative. And He knew God and His Word were King over Herod, and Herod would be judged by the Word. He knew Herod must submit to God’s Word and repent or come under eternal judgment. John raised this point out of love for God and love for Herod and his eternal soul. John had no choice because the Word of God burned in his bones with great conviction.
When John addressed the issue, he understood it could cause division among his listeners. Some would want him to keep quiet about it. John knew the brutality of Herod and understood the potential consequences. But John knew he had to do what was right; not what was safe for himself or unifying to the nation. John knew he was ultimately accountable to only One. When he was executed by beheading for boldly addressing a major cultural issue, perhaps his critics said, “See, this is what happens when you step into secondary and divisive issues.” Yet, what people say about us is not as important as what God says. Jesus said about John, “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John” (Luke 7:28).
As we move into a new year, desire to seek out what the Word of God has to say on any issue facing you personally, your congregation or our nation. Then speak forth that Word in wisdom, love, humility and courage. No matter if it be truth to power, truth to your neighbor or truth to the church, be courageous and leave the results or consequences in God’s hands.
A prayer for you - “Lord God, I pray you will raise up a man or woman like John the Baptist through this column. Raise up a person that has Your Word burning in their bones. Where they must speak forth Your truth no matter the consequences to their health, career, finances or relationships. Raise them up and send them out. In Jesus name. Amen.”
