Dear Friends,
I am sure that many of you are watching the news dismay, as the events unfold in our nation’s capital. The chaos and violence of the Evil One is hard at work in our country right now. Regardless of what you think is happening politically in our country, the fact that violence has broken out in our nation’s capital is certainly a sign of the deeper unrest and anger that afflicts us all.
St. Paul’s words in First Timothy are certainly apropos here:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1–7 ESV)
We pray for all, so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ may go forth into all the world. That is hard to remember while we are in the middle of such violence. What are we to do as Christians? First and foremost, we pray as St. Paul exhorts us. Here is a good place to start:
Almighty, everlasting God, King of kings, from whom all rank and power proceed, who instituted temporal authority and committed to it the sword for the punishment of the wicked and the protection of the good: lead all temporal lords and rulers in Your way, that they may keep the common peace, turn away from us war and sedition, and nurture whatever makes for peace, honor, and justice. To that end, O Lord of hosts, give them Your divine blessing, the righteousness of Moses, the meekness of David, the zeal of Phinehas, the strength of Samson, and the wisdom of Solomon. Make and keep them steadfast in good, courageous in adversity, confident in affliction, joyful in sorrow, reliable in distress, victorious in temptation, unmoved in prosperity, and wise, strong, and prosperous in all their endeavors. Let their government serve for the suppression of all tyrants, peace in this present time, and the protection of Christians, to the praise and eternal worship of Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen (Lutheran Prayer Companion, p. 152).
But it is also entirely appropriate for us to simply pray for peace:
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord;
Peace in our time, O send us!
For there is none on earth but You,
None other to defend us.
You only, Lord, can fight for us.
Amen. (LSB 777)
What else are we to do? We are to love our neighbors as ourselves, go about the work which God has given us, and be His light and leaven in a world that seems to be descending into chaos.
Where? How? When? That will all be revealed in God’s good time. But be at peace. Christ has overcome the world.
Please continue to pray for our nation and its people who are so divided right now. God will be merciful in His own time and way. May it be soon!
In Christ,
Pastor Peperkorn
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