The Impact of Freedom and Responsibility in Christ – Part 2

On Monday I wrote a blog post Freedom In Christ. In it, I stated that America is uniquely obsessed with “freedom.” You can see it in our politics. You can hear it in our daily discourse. But we’re also, amazingly, a country full of fortunate people who are constantly grumbling about their lack of freedom.

The American church has forgotten the necessity of lamenting over suffering and pain.  In the last 30 days, a total of 864,203 Americans have died. and 70,641,725 have contracted the Covid-19 virus. Yet, some people refuse to get vaccinated. Others decline to wear a mask for their own and others’ safety. The CDC has provided guidance for curtailing or preventing transmission of the virus. Everyone 5 years and older is now eligible to get a free COVID-19 vaccination shot. If not, wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you.

Misinformation and disinformation abounds on social media. Squabbles and rallies are taking place over mask mandates. Athletics are defying requirements to get vaccinated before participating in sporting events. Governors are removing mask requirements in local schools and the public square.

I’m not suggesting anyone do what they are legitimately uncomfortable with for health or other personal reasons. But, I encourage people to do what is right. It grieves my heart to hear a mother fearful of sending her children to school. She worries her children or their classmates may get sick. I have lost a child. I completely understand the grief you experience when your child passes away.

“Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31

Gov. Glenn Youngkin, newly elected governor of Virginia, recently signed an executive order. The order declares an end to mask mandates in public school systems. It reaffirms the rights of parents in the upbringing, education, and care of their children. The order says parents have the choice whether or not students wear masks, and teachers can’t demand them to. ²

This type of decision making grieves my spirit. It ignores the concerns and rights of other parents. It also ignores the welfare of all school age children and staff. They would prefer some level of protection. They also want comfort as cases in Virginia rose by 7,155 Monday due to the Omicron variant.

Gov. Youngkin issued several executive orders on his first day. Another that has left me with concern is banning critical race theory. The goal is to “restore excellence” in schools and ban “divisive concepts.” ³ I was born and raised in Virginia during the time of racial segregation in the 60’s. I first experienced racism at the age of eight. My parents sent me and my siblings to an all white school in the early 60’s. This was as schools began to desegregate. When I began third grade I was the only “black” student in my class. I was too young to understand the significant impact this would have later in life. During the first few years it was really difficult. I was bullied and felt isolated. Despite this, I managed to press through the humiliation and pain. No child should have to experience that regardless of the color of their skin.

“The time is always right to do what is right“

Martin Luther King Jr.

I was among one of the first African – American students to enter an all white elementary school. What I didn’t know was that this experience was ordained by God. A few years ago the Lord impressed upon my spirit. He made me understand that this experience was meant to prepare me for things to come. I believe the time has come. We must break the silence on the many injustices and disparities all people are facing in America. EQUALITY

From the Scriptures, we learn much of lament. Recall David, Job, and Isaiah in their respective times of mourning. Their grief is symbolized with ashes and sackcloth, and marked with honest, anguished cries. … And there is Rachel, “weeping for her children” with “lamentation and bitter weeping” (Jeremiah 31:15).

In the midst of a global pandemic, we perhaps recognize a greater need for spiritual truth. We long for Christ to come again. Life in quarantine has exposed the complexities of pain and suffering in the world. Racial tensions and political upheaval add to these difficulties. An insurrection that left several people dead has further highlighted these issues. We feel the pain and suffering that exists in the world, yet we know that Christ is Lord. We grieve the current order of the world, yet we believe that Christ will deliver us. He came to set the captives free (Is. 61:1; Luke 4:18). The kingdom of God is here, but we have yet to see the new heaven and new earth that is coming (Rev. 21).

Jesus warned that in this world we will have trouble. But take heart! He has overcome the world (John 16:33),

Prophetic Lament is a call for justice in troubled times. Lamentations is a book that can and should speak into our current circumstances. A call for us to live as the faithful and repentant people of God in our violent age. The message of Lamentations the message of Lamentations applies to the convoluted contemporary issues of justice and racial reconciliation.

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord. “Return to Me with all your heart. Return with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your heart and not merely your garments.” Return now to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and compassionate. He is slow to anger, abounding in mercy, and relents of catastrophe. Who knows, He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him,” (Joel 2:12-14)

Let the priests, the LORD’S ministers, weep between the porch and the altar. Let them say, “Spare Your people, LORD. Do not make Your inheritance a disgrace, with the nations jeering at them. Why should those among the peoples say, ‘Where is their God?’”

Joel 2:17

The day of the Lord is coming; Indeed, it is near. He has not given us a spirit of fear. Instead, He has given us a sound mind. This allows us to discern good from evil, justice from injustice, and right from wrong.

The Lord’s blessing be with you. He lay a firm foundation of the testimony of Jesus in your life!

Minister A. Francine Green

Note: All Scriptures are taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.

1 COVID Data Tracker. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailycases

2 By WHSV Newsroom. Jan. 24, 2022 at 12:33 PM EST. Virginia COVID-19 cases rise by 7,155 Monday. https://www.whsv.com/2022/01/24/virginia-covid-19-cases-rise-by-7155-monday/

3 Brooks, K. Jan. 17, 2022. Gov. Glenn Youngkin enacts 11 day-one executive orders. https://www.whsv.com/2022/01/17/gov-glenn-youngkin-enacts-11-day-one-executive-orders/