The Second American Revolution

In a relatively short time, American society has gone from a people trying our best not to spread COVID-19 to a nation in shock over the horrific encounter of Derek Chauvin and George Floyd. Many acknowledge that the situation was brewing beneath the surface for some time, and the scene in Minneapolis simply was the match that ignited what we have now. Regardless of your political views or even your views on systemic racism, the US is not close to a revolution - we are there.
Look at some facts. The map below (USA Today) shows cities and towns which have had protests (peaceful or not) and states where the National Guard has been activated. Various places throughout the country are seriously considering dismantling their police forces, with New York City having already diverted funds away from its own NYPD.  It does not feel to me like this current crisis will blow over (and I'm not saying it should or shouldn't).  Ordinarily, these things, when on this scale, end either with a dictator crushing the rebellion or an overhaul of the way a society is constituted and governed. 

 
As a spiritual leader shepherding your congregation during a revolution, here are some reminders and encouragements.  There truly has never been a better time to be a pastor, because we have the answers for which so many are genuinely searching.

• Refuse to give in to fear. Your people will be tempted to fear. They will fear falling victim to protesters, to crime in the absence of police, and to general fear. I was in a series through Hebrews 11 when the revolution began. I've been encouraging my people to hold onto their faith regardless of the societal war that is raging out there.  
• Emphasize faith in crisis. 
• Emphasize neighbor love. Jesus had the answers two millennia ago. Love your neighbor - regardless of his or her ethnicity or any other factor. Love your neighbor as you love your own self. Love your enemies. Pray for them.  
• Evangelize. People are looking for larger meaning and purpose to life. People are fed up with the way things are. Things are this way because of sin. People need to hear that they are loved, and that God sacrificed His Son for them. The Gospel can reconcile man to God and man to other men.  
• Focus on eternity. My message yesterday was on Hebrews 11:13-16. Even if we search diligently for a city that has foundations whose builder and maker is God in this lifetime, we will die in faith without receiving that promise. We indeed are strangers and pilgrims in this land, but we are on our way by faith to a city that has been prepared for us. This is not that heavenly country, but such a place of rest awaits all who trust in Christ.

If this truly is a revolution that is here to stay, it will be good to keep this conversation open in the weeks to come. May God grant wisdom to you as you lead His people for His glory.