For Such a Time as This

For Such a Time as This

2 Samuel 22:31   This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (ESV) 

In such a time as this, it’s difficult to keep believing that things will get better. Our current leaders are obsessed with breaking everything within a few months that took decades to fight for and achieve. Our Civil Rights have not just been challenged, they have been intentionally diminished with the sole purpose of destroying them forever. This political subjugation and marginalization of minorities is being ruthlessly pursued by those who hate diversity, equity, and inclusion. They now brazenly oppress people who are different because of their race, gender, orientation, or origin rather than share power, prosperity, or prestige. They seek to protect their privileges rather than diminish their elitism. 

They also use the old reactionary mechanism of ‘divide and conquer’ by pitting one less powerful group against another. We see this all over Appalachia in impoverished and isolated places that are full of people who keep voting in representatives and leaders who do nothing to improve their communities, but as long as they are sticking it to the other side, then Appalachians will just put up with the hardship they endure. It’s sad to see so many rural communities who fall into this Machiavellian manipulation. Their elected officials couldn’t care less about diminishing USAID or FEMA, even though it’s their constituents – farmers, miners, and rural workers whose lives are shortened, whose children’s education is diminished, and whose economies will hardly improve. Their elected leaders can send their kids to private schools, receive gifts and bribes from lobbyists, and end up rich, famous, and financially secure. In private, these appointed representatives are both laughing at their poor misguided and misinformed voters, as well as all the way to the bank. 

Just like generations before us, the only way to improve our rights is to fight for them, to speak out for the voiceless, and stand up for the marginalized. Things will never get better if we acquiesce to the arrogance, bigotry, and hatred of those in power. It will take courage and determination to oppose those who seek to divide, diminish, and conquer. It will also require us to confront the vast amount of falsehood and lies that our leaders, representatives, and spokespeople constantly spew. If we align ourselves to the truth, then we are allying ourselves to God and the goodness He seeks for people on earth, as well as our nation. It will not be easy, but then again, fighting for freedom and living for liberty has always been difficult. 

May God bless us all as we stand for the truth in the Lord’s love, which is abundantly diverse, sacredly equitable, and graciously inclusive.

Pastor John