Pastor's Pen
A monthly message from the hand of Pastor Stockman
Around the world, we see struggles between different ethnic groups and those of different religions. We have often heard of the prejudice between people of different skin colors. Even in Christian churches, some people find it hard to work with others. With all the tensions, racism, and prejudice in the world, I cannot help but think of Rodney King and the riots that started in 1992 after 4 police officers were acquitted of charges of using excessive force to subdue him. The riot caused 53 deaths, 2,383 injuries, more than 7,000 fires, damage to 3,100 businesses, and nearly $1 billion in financial losses. During the riot, King went on television and made a plea for calm, saying, “Can we all get along?”
That is the question, isn't it? Can people so different work together? Can tensions between people be reduced? Opinions vary. Some say it is hopeless. Others say education is the answer, claiming that the more we know about ourselves and one another, the more we will value what we have.
Is there any hope? At times, the cynics seem to be right: It seems nothing we do will take away the fear and hatred that divide the human race. Information, education, and laws providing for equal opportunity are necessary for harmony between groups. But Christians look beyond human attempts to solve these larger-than-life problems. There is a unity that binds all people together. All people are creations of God. But all to one degree or another are guilty of acts against God and against one another. That is the common human predicament.
But God provided real hope. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for us and in our place suffered the punishment and guilt for every act and crime against humanity—for all time. He was punished for us and has opened the doors to heaven for us. Forgiven, we now strive by God’s grace to be forgiving, to recognize each other as God’s children, who are brothers and sisters because our Lord died for them. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) This means that we have a mandate from God that all people are valued by Him and should be valued by us.
God’s solution to discord and racial, religious, and ethnic problems that plague us took place at the cross. It was confirmed the first Easter by our Lord’s resurrection. All people are united under the cross, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Christ died for each of us, and if everyone is important to Him, who are we to act otherwise? May the message of Easter bring hope and healing between people everywhere.
Pastor Stockman