Good morning, one and all
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” [Proverbs 27:1]
Dateline: Minneapolis, Minnesota– I had already started an email for this week, but then most of us saw on the news about how a Sunday morning church service was interrupted by an unruly crowd screaming “ICE out” and other slogans. In the news report my eye was drawn to two individuals in the service.
One was the pastor, who was bravely pointing to the front door, asking the intruders to leave, stating that they had invaded a House of God. But the main character in my mind was an elderly, gray-haired lady who, while facing the crowd with her arm uplifted and head bowed, was quietly praying. I can say with 100% confidence that she had not planned to be on national TV on Sunday, but no one knows ‘what a day may bring forth.’ Considering the recent church shootings in our nation, their bravery was noteworthy.
Her default action was not to confront the protesters, nor to run. It was to pray to her Lord. Her actions quickly reminded me of this verse: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” [I Peter 3:15]
The protesters harangued the congregation for 30 minutes before dispersing. During that time, no one died, and no one was even injured. I’m thinking that the prayers of that lady were answered. She showed the nation that light can indeed overcome the darkness.
Make no mistake, darkness is out there, crouching at the door. One cannot say how you or I would respond to a situation such as a church intrusion or a personal attack, but I can say this:
Always be prepared.
Keith