Hello Church!
Do you ever find yourself asking why? Why are people suffering? Why do bad things happen? Why is someone reacting that way? Some days we may just be completely perplexed.
All over the world, people are joining together in a movement like none other. People who are not normally outspoken, are speaking out. There is something BIG happening.
Oppression comes in many forms in this life. Racism, sexism, poverty, and illness are all forms of oppression that people live with and experience daily. For one of them, you could be killed because of it. What is a Christian supposed to do when it comes to oppression? One of the most common phrases of our faith would have to be "What Would Jesus Do?" Jesus fought for those who were oppressed. Jesus came to fulfill this prophecy found in Isaiah.
Isaiah 61:1-3
1 The Lord God’s spirit is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me
to bring good news to the poor,
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim release for captives,
and liberation for prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and a day of vindication for our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 to provide for Zion’s mourners,
to give them a crown in place of ashes,
oil of joy in place of mourning,
a mantle of praise in place of discouragement.
They will be called Oaks of Righteousness,
planted by the Lord to glorify himself.
Jesus died so that we could be set free from our sin. However, it takes a daily effort each day to turn away from our sin in this life. In the same way it takes a conscious effort to daily look out for those who are oppressed and liberate them as Jesus did. The work that Jesus did is not over, he has left it in our hands. Our 2,000 year history shows us that we have done a terrible job fighting for the oppressed.
If you find yourself asking why someone else is acting in the manner which they are, I implore you to change your perspective. For me, I am a Christian, 30 year old, white, american male who has seen zero oppression other than being picked last for the kick ball team in kindergarten. I have no idea what it is like to be oppressed so much that you are faced with death each and every day. Due to where we live, I would think most of our church is in the same boat. This movement should be an awakening for all of us to look within. Our "why" questions should be pointed at ourselves and not others.
So how does a Christian, 30 year old, white, american male respond to a movement that is fighting for people's rights? Do everything to support, and not subtract, from the people who are fighting for their lives. Don't ask the wrong questions. Don't seek unhelpful agendas. Look out for the oppressed all around me. Try to live beyond myself. In other words, BE HUMBLE.
“Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests but take an interest in others, too." Philippians 2:3-4
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
This movement has caused me to listen and read sources that I normally would not. I knew that I needed a new perspective when I began thinking negatively towards what was going on in this past week. If you find yourself needing a new perspective look at opposing viewpoints, talk to someone with different opinions than you, and meditate on God's word.
This is also a time that calls for a heavenly amount of forgiveness. Years of thinking and acting in one way can take time to change. It will take time to heal and work towards peace. Patience and grace are needed now more than ever from all.
This fight may not be for us, but it is definitely about us. If you are not part of the solution, you may be part of the problem. It is our duty as followers of Christ to humbly walk with love and faith in support of all humanity, especially those who are oppressed and are struggling to be heard and freed. For we know that Christ lived for all, died for all, and rose again for all.
God Bless,
Pastor Chris
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WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
We are looking for families that would be willing to share how you are handling the shutdown due to the coronavirus. We want to hear ways your family has learned to take advantage of this time in a positive way. Things that you have learned, and ways that God has spoken to you through this time.
This is for all families, whether there is one of you at home or six, we would love to hear from you.
If interested please contact Pastor Chris, chris@akronpacob.org or (717)715-6861. Pastor Chris will then talk with you about a time to do an interview over the phone or on Zoom. He would like to film this either through Zoom, or you can film yourself answering questions with a camera or smartphone that you have access to. This would be shown during our livestream worship services.
Thank you for your help!
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