The way 2021 has started out is no better than the way that 2020 finished. In fact, in some ways it is even worse. Yesterday was a very sad day for every American. Let me be clear… I don’t care which side of the political aisle you sit on. It doesn’t make any difference to me as I respect the fact that as Americans, we have a right to our beliefs and even if we don’t agree, we can honor one another in peace.
But apparently, devout followers of Jesus must be in the minority. The vitriol in this nation is worse than I have ever seen it. People want to defund the police, yet those very members of Congress who endorse that kind of action were calling on the police to protect them and prevent the Capitol from being stormed by terrorists and insurgents. Today, the head of the Capitol Police resigned at the request of Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Others will follow.
And more than several members of President Trump’s staff and Cabinet have resigned, with less than two weeks left of the President’s term. Whatever good Trump may have done throughout the last four years was nullified by the way he handled the terrorism yesterday. While Trump indicated that there will be a smooth transition of power, he has yet to concede his loss to President Elect Biden.
So both sides are at fault. People are even calling to invoke the 25th Amendment – the one that would make Vice President Mike Pence, for less than 12 days, President Pence. It seems like a waste of time to me… as does impeachment. Trump will leave in disgrace and Congress will be in shambles. I do hope that the terrorists who broke in and were arrested will all serve the mandatory 10 year sentence for the destruction of federal property. Especially the guy who broke into Pelosi’s office and made himself at home in her chair. Enough already. The disrespect is overwhelming and I’m tired of it. And what about the people who were killed or injured during the riots!
One of the things that I have noticed recently is that everyone tries to come across as an expert on what is going on. I admit that I’m not qualified to really speak into all this. But it irks me when a newscaster asks a guest how they would proceed and the answer is invariably a condemnation of the other side. I have yet to hear someone, from either side, answer the questions without vilifying their opponent across the aisle.
I noticed during the coverage yesterday that there were a number of signs that proclaimed that “Jesus Saves.” To be truthful, Jesus would never have participated in the riots at the Capitol. That’s not the Jesus we know from the Bible. And before we should talk about Jesus, we should acknowledge that the country has lost its way when it comes to turning to God. The Capitol is full of plaques and ornamental work that refer to the Scriptures. Yet, the leaders of our country seem to have lost their way. Our Founding Fathers would be turning over in their graves at the way we are acting. It’s not a pretty sight.
Our verse tonight comes from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. The prophet was speaking about what was happening to the people of God and warning them that they needed to return to the Lord. Of course, the people weren’t listening. For some reason, they thought they could do it on their own – much like our current situation in Washington. Isaiah tells us, in Isaiah 30:15, “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” (NLT)
Isaiah actually warns the people about what the Lord had said. We can’t be saved without returning to the Lord. Those are wise words for us today as well. My encouragement this evening is that God wants us to return to Him. I don’t know how much more I can stress that. My prayer is that we will all practice a little kindness and while we might speak of our accomplishments, we will listen more than we talk and let others actions speak for themselves. That is how we will tell if they are serious about loving one another or whether they just are selfish and don’t really care about others. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…