November 24: A Prayer for Ferguson

Ezekiel 47:1-48:35

1 Peter 2:11-3:7

Psalm 119:49-64

Proverbs 28:12-13

It is 8:30 PM on the east coast as I write this, and in a half hour, we expect to hear whether or not a grand jury has indicted Officer Darren Wilson in the matter of the shooting death of Michael Brown.  It seems so timely that we read 1 Peter 2:11-19.  Peter seems to be relaying to us the way in which Christians are to respond to authority, even the authority over slaves.  

For those who do not know, three and  a half months ago, an encounter between Officer Wilson and Mr. Brown led to injuries to the former, and the death of the latter, in the town of Ferguson, MIssouri, which has since been flooded by protestors demanding Officer Wilson's arrest and indictment, accompanied by many who have seen fit to destroy and deface property, and to intimidate those who do not share their views.  I am not weighing in on whether or not the grand jury ought to indict - either way, there are going to be some very angry, very frustrated people.  My question is, how should we respond?  

1 Peter 2:13 is something I have tremendous difficulty with.  Almost 30 years ago, I was involved in the EDSA revolution, a peaceful revolt against 14 years of martial rule and the dictator who ran the country.  And those who know me know how frustrated I am with the current administration.  And yet today I read that we are to "submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors , who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right."  The only way this makes sense to me is if I go back to last week's reflection on "good and perfect gifts" - these authorities have been permitted by our all knowing, all powerful and all loving God out of the perfection of His plan for our welfare.  

In that context, one would think we should be able to respect the authorities God permits, and the decisions they make.  In fact, it is pretty amazing, because in verse 18, Peter says that even slaves should show such respect - "in reverent fear of God, submit yourselves to your masters, not only those who are good and considerate, but also those who are harsh".  And we should then be able to "live such good lives among the pagans that, though they may accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us."  The good thing is that we do not do this without guidance and direction - we have Christ's example, Who suffered for us, leaving us an example.  He didn't retaliate, He made no threats....instead He entrusted Himself to His Father, Whom He knew would judge justly.

The Psalm today alludes to this as well, where the psalmist begs God to give him comfort in his suffering.  He cites how even when mocked unmercifully by the people of the world, he does not stray from the Lord's laws.  May we be blessed with such a relationship with our Father that we too will find His strength to stay the course even amidst difficulty and injustice.  It is then, in Ferguson, Missouri and in our own personal Fergusons, that we will be able to find His peace.