"Good Trouble"

The passing of Congressman John R. Lewis brought a pivotal point in history to a close. John Lewis was one of the significant figures in the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial equality. The funeral service which took place on July 30, 2020 was a mixture of politics and praise for the many accomplishments of the congressman and the lives that he touched during his 80 years on earth. There are very few public figures that are eulogized by three living former United States presidents, however John Lewis earned that respect for his selfless contributions to better the lives of not only black Americans but all Americans. Despite the political references, the consistent thread that ran through the many testimonies from friends, family, and notable public figures was John Lewis' sacrificial spirit. The congressman poured himself into so many people and causes that some considered him a modern day saint. In fact one of the people who shared at his service stated, "John Lewis was truly human and divine." Some believers may be disturbed at such a statement as we acknowledge that there is only one who was truly human and truly divine--Jesus. However, I believe the intention of this person was not in any way to deify John Lewis but demonstrate how he reflected the character of Christ. 

"TROUBLEMAKER"

One of Congressman Lewis' favorite sayings was lets get into"good trouble." This saying was meant to challenge people to fight for what was right and just even if it costs us everything. Isn't that so like Jesus? Jesus like John Lewis was constantly in "good trouble" during His brief time on earth. He stood in opposition to the religious leaders and their failure to recognize Him as the Messiah. Jesus' claims often drew such anger from the teachers of the law that they wanted to kill Him. (Luke 14:14-28; John 8:58) Jesus was ultimately crucified not because of any thing that He had done wrong but because He spoke God's truth and came to deliver humanity from sin through His death and resurrection. John Lewis almost lost his life after marching across the Edmund Pettus bridge in Alabama to protest racial inequality and secure voting rights for black Americans. The marchers were met with police hostility and Lewis ended up in the hospital after a blow to his head from a police officer's baton. Lewis was not doing anything illegal, immoral, or even violent as he peacefully lead the march alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the other protesters. He spoke the truth about the evils of segregation and sought to bring about change as the book of Micah declares, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8 NIV) 

A REFLECTION OF GOD's HEART

John Lewis knew that before God, all human beings are created equal regardless of race or gender. John Lewis knew that in heaven there is no segregation as the book of Revelation states, "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9-10 NIV) The challenge of the church today is to have a desire to get into "good trouble" for the sake of the gospel. The early church knew and demonstrated their willingness to sacrifice all for Christ, even if it meant losing their lives. Are believers today willing to follow in Jesus' footsteps like John Lewis? The times we live in may be different but the call upon the life of God's people has not changed, to love God with our entire being, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and preach the gospel. (Matthew 22:37-40; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 4:1-5) John Lewis loved God and his neighbor so much that he was willing to sacrifice His life. Let's follow his example as he followed Jesus and get into "good trouble" for the sake of Christ and the gospel.

To God Be The Glory!

Pastor Sheree