Back in the summer, I shared 3 messages on Working for Racial Unity and Reconciliation. I felt it was important for me to reflect with you how I was processing our cultural context with the Lord and others.
Today, I want to share what I am currently thinking, feeling, and praying in the midst of what transpired at the Capitol with the rioting, insurrection, and attacks on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
- I am grateful that I had three corporate prayer meetings already scheduled for today (Thursday, January 7, 2021).
- Standing in the gap, serving as a watchman on the wall, and partnering with Jesus in the place of prayer are important callings on my life.
- And, all of us are called to pray and intercede individually and corporately for the kingdom of God to come and for the will of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
- Lord Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us.
- I found myself praying this prayer on January 6 and 7 in light of the rioting, insurrection, and attacks on the Capitol.
- And, I have been praying this prayer a lot for our nation, especially since Election Day.
- We need the mercy of the Lord.
- I continue to pray, asking the Lord to swing the pendulum from judgment to mercy for our nation, in accordance with Ezekiel 22:30-31.
- “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD.”
- I continue to ask the Lord not to give us what we deserve nor to deal with us according to our words.
- Let’s not be silent but continue to intercede (Isaiah 62:1–7).
- I also believe that the word for the year for 2021, which the Lord gave back in November 2020 and which I shared on Sunday, January 3, is more befitting now than ever before.
- Realign: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).
- There will be many opportunities and challenges in this year to see where we are in or out of alignment morally or missionally with Jesus. This season of political unrest is one such time.
- The Lord wants to help us to realign, that we might respond in ways that line up with the good news of our King.
- Where we are out of alignment, we are called to realign: whatever happens [with whatever you face, with whatever you go through, with whatever comes your way], conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
- This imperative— whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ— calls for steadfastness, unity, and courage, and joy, even in the face of opposition, trials, and suffering.
- Please take the time to process that message thoroughly.
- I am sad for my nation. I am grieved for my nation. I am sad and grieved by how Christians are talking about what is happening and how Christians are treating one another.
- In no uncertain terms, I denounce violent protests. What happened at the Capitol on January 6 is wrong. It is ok to exercise free speech and to protest. It is wrong to use violence and to destroy property or to harm others.
- Actually, our country is built on the freedom of religion, speech, and other rights. People have a right to speak and to protest. Law enforcement officers are tasked with working to stop violent riots, destruction of property, and killing. Most protests are peaceful. However, when violence is perpetrated, those who break the law need to be held accountable.
- I am encouraged that we have friends all over the world posting on their social media feeds and connecting with other believers, saying, “Pray for America.” It is hard to imagine where we would be without the prayers of the saints from around the globe.
- I am grateful that the Lord Jesus is still on his throne, and that our God is able to work all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28-29).
- Thank the Lord that 99% of the people in Washington DC on Wednesday to protest were peaceable and were there to pray for our nation and were there for peaceful protest.
- Thank the Lord that he is still at work in human history. We need to develop the capacity to see God’s purposes working out through problems and difficulties. “And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20 NASB).
- Thank the Lord for this Facebook post from Tony Evans on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
- Today’s political violence was a tragic illustration of what happens to a nation when it abandons God’s person [God himself], principles, and policies. America is undergoing the passive wrath of God which takes place when His standards are compromised (Romans 1:18-32.) The result is chaos, conflict, and lawlessness. Only a radical return to God by His people will change this. The answer to saving America is not in the White House – it is in the church house.
- Pray for people who are mad, scared, outraged, confused, despairing, discouraged, depressed, hopeless, or suicidal.
- Pray that the Lord will comfort, lead, deliver, rescue, and set them free, destroying the plans and works of the enemy (1 John 3:8).
- The truth is that everything that can be shaken is being shaken, so that we can have an unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:26-29).
- Pray that the Lord would help people to see that what they are trusting in won’t satisfy. We pray that the Lord will lead them to a personal relationship and encounter with the Living God. May God bring people of salt and light into their paths. May the Holy Spirit lead them to encounters with true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Pray that people will find safe places to share what they think, feel, and believe, in order to process healthily (1 John 1:7).
- Pray for believers and for people of peace to rise up as salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).
- “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13–16 NIV).
- Pray for our leaders at the local, state, and federal levels (1 Timothy 2:1-4). In this season, we need to rise up and pray for those in authority, that they might have wisdom, grace, and skill to discharge their duties as unto the Lord.
Again, there will be many opportunities and challenges in this year to see where we are in or out of alignment with Jesus and his ways. This period is one such time.
Let me know how I can pray for you or how I can help you by emailing me at jtm@calvaryhouston.com.
Thanks for letting me share.
Pastor Jeff
