It all started as a
simple tragedy. George Floyd, age 46, a 6’ 7” African-American was arrested in
Minneapolis for allegedly trying to buy cigarettes with counterfeit money. Mr.
Floyd was handcuffed and pinned to the ground for 30 minutes. ‘I can’t breath’
said the gentle giant’ as the officer continued to place pressure on his body.
He lost consciousness, was taken to hospital, and pronounced dead shortly
thereafter. The four Minneapolis police officers involved in the incident were
immediately fired. However, Devin CHAUVIN, age 44, a white former police
officer, was charged with 3rd degree murder and manslaughter.
For many in the
African-American community, this arrest was not enough. Why did it take days to
arrest the former police officer? Why only a 3rd degree murder charge, not 1st
degree? Why weren’t the other officers charged with murder, at least as
accessories to the crime? The perception that a black man under white police is
in greater peril than a white, continues on.
Peaceful protests were
held but what happened next was an explosion - first in Minneapolis, where
protests turned violent and looting ensued. The protests spread to 140 cities
across the United States, morphing into violence and looting. Local police were
attacked. Thousands of National Guardsmen were called out. The protests spread
to Britain, Germany, and even New Zealand.
The protests appeared
to be hijacked by ANTIFA (anti-fascist). ANTIFA had its origins in the 1920s
and 30s, had a resurgence in the 1980s, and then came to life after the
election victory of Donald Trump and his populist movement (just like the Tea
Party came into being in response to the rise of Barack Obama and Christian
Coalition to Bill Clinton). ANTIFA is against neo-fascism, neo-Nazism, white
supremacy, racism, and what is termed the ‘Alt-Right.’ They dress in black, try
to disrupt conservative events, and are willing to resort to violence, though
some claim it is only for defensive purposes. They have been accused of using
fascist means to fight ‘fascism.’
The Trump
Administration has announced that ANTIFA is a domestic terrorist organisation.
US Attorney General Bill Barr stated that the violence was planned, organised,
utilising ANTIFA-tactics, and left leaning anarchy.
Recent circumstances
have helped to contribute to this atmosphere of violence. Like a dry summer facilitates
bushfires, so have stay@home edicts and lock-downs, which have caused the
population to be restless, filling up once empty urban streets with angry
protestors. There is record unemployment. Schools and universities are closed
for the summer, giving student time to promote a ‘worthy cause.’ Normal
entertainment and sporting events are currently suspended, thus creating a
perfect storm for a caged, bored, outraged population with time on their hands.
Yet there’s more. The
highly partisan, polarising atmosphere in Washington (including Russian
collusion, impeachment), the on-going culture war, the default into tribalism.
Remember Hurricane Katrina in August 2005? New Orleans was cannibalised -
looters were even firing guns at helicopters trying to rescue stranded
residents from the flooding. This kind of tribal chaos was happening years ago.
ASSESSMENT
What are we to make
about this tragic turn of events? Please consider the following.
1.
George
Floyd had a definite Christian connection https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/george-floyd-ministry-houston-third-ward-church.html
2.
True
justice, based on verifiable facts, must be the goal. Thuggery, whether it is
police brutality or damaging and looting property, must not be tolerated.
3.
Racism
is wrong and so is rioting. None of this brings justice or helps anyone.
4.
The
needed conversation about apparent racism in America was derailed by the riots;
5.
The
African-American community is receiving negative publicity, even though many of
them decry the violence being done in their name (especially by black clad
white people). Some of the nicest, sweetest, most courteous people you can meet
in America are the African-Americans, and many are Christians. This is not fair
on them.
6.
The
violence is destructive and hurtful by everyone and is fuelled by groups with
evil intentions.
HOW SHALL WE RESPOND?
Let us recognise
America Ablaze for what it really is — a spiritual issue. According to John
10:10:
Jesus Himself comments that ‘The thief cometh not, but for to steal,
and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they
might have it more abundantly.’
The wanton destruction,
theft, and injury, is satanically-inspired with the goal of stealing, killing,
and destroying. Christ takes the opposite approach to of bringing people into
abundant life.
In Ephesians 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The greatest enemy is
not the one you see, but the ones you don’t. For this reason we are exhorted to
put on ‘the whole armour of God.’
Our readers are urged
to pray for the following points:
1.
Justice:
For George Floyd and the
African-American community. May it be based on facts and reality, not narrative
and rumour.
2.
Patience:
May calm and maturity take
over across America and may leaders lead in this area.
3.
Peace:
May the rioting and
looting cease and may affected neighbourhoods and cities receive the much
needed peace and security they deserve.
4.
Restoration:
To the people, buildings,
businesses, and homes that have be damaged in the unrest. As small businesses
are struggling to overcome the Covid-19 economic downturn, may there be a
miraculous recovery for all concerned.
5.
Revival:
For years now, this author
has advocated what has become the only solution to our political, economic,
social, and spiritual problems. It is called ‘revival,’ meaning to ‘come alive
again.’ II Chronicles 7:14 is the classic verse on this topic: If my
people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,
and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I
hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their
land (emphasis mine).
If you cannot remember
any other point, remember this one — for the good of us all.
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