God So Loved The World

On April 20, 2021 former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts against him for the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. For weeks tensions, especially within the black community, ran high as Chauvin went on trial and the subsequent guilty verdict was returned by the jury. Following Chauvin's conviction, there was a collective sigh of relief and the feeling that justice had finally been served related to the mistreatment of people of color by primarily white police officers. The reactions within the black community varied from shouts of joy and praises to God to others breaking down in tears. Many felt that true justice was a long time coming for people of color and there was some uncertainty as to whether there would actually be any type of conviction. For many there was a sense that justice has been lacking regarding any police officer ever being convicted of unnecessary brutality towards people of color. There were references to the "blue wall" wherein fellow police officers typically did not testify against their own brothers or sisters in blue. However, Derek Chauvin's case was very atypical as fellow police officers could not in good conscience condone the excessive use of force which led to George Floyd's death. 

The God Of Justice

The Bible tells us that God is a God of justice, "For the Lord is righteous, He loves justice; the upright will see His face." (Psalm 11:7 NIV) "For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing." (Isaiah 61:8a NIV) Furthermore, the Bible tells us that we will experience the consequences of our choices, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:7-8 NIV) We have all seen or heard about instances where it appears a person gets away with some terrible crime or injustice and appears to escape the consequences. However, while that criminal may not experience punishment this side of heaven, nothing escapes the sight of our omniscient God. Paul states in Romans 12:19, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord." (NIV) 

The God Of Love

On the other hand, God is also a God of mercy, grace, and love. We read in the Gospel of John the familiar words, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV) While much of the focus has been and continues to be on George Floyd and his family, is there any thought about Derek Chauvin? One commentator on a popular daytime talk show expressed her desire to see Derek Chauvin "burn in hell." Is that God's desire? John 3:16 doesn't appear to support such a desire. I am in no way excusing what Derek Chauvin has done. Indeed his actions were cruel, malicious, heinous, and disgusting. I am not biologically related to George Floyd so I cannot begin to imagine the family's overwhelming pain and grief as well as satisfaction with Chauvin's conviction. However, Jesus tells us we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:43-48) How many believers who are praying for the Floyd family and their healing can honestly say they are praying for Derek Chauvin? 

The God Of Eternal Life

Although Mr. Chauvin will serve time in prison that is not the worst of his punishment. He will one day stand before a Holy and Righteous God who will determine Chauvin's eternal fate. My prayer is that behind those prison walls, a faithful believer will share the gospel with Derek Chauvin and give him the opportunity to repent of his sin and seek the forgiveness found in Jesus. Mr. Chauvin's failure to do so will result in a consequence that is far more "deadly" than murdering another human being, and that is separation from God forever. In Matthew 10:28 Jesus tells His followers, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (NIV) As unpleasant and counterintuitive as it may seem, we need to pray for those towards whom we feel hate, do not like, or with whom we may disagree because Jesus died for them as well as for us. The Bible tells us no one is righteous (Romans 3:9-20) "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 NIV) However, there is hope, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23 NIV) Yes, God so loved even Derek Chauvin that He gave up His only Son. We as Christ's followers are not called to excuse, forget, or feel warm fuzzies towards Mr. Chauvin or his behavior but we are called to pray for his salvation and proclaim the gospel to all people so that they may recognize and experience how much God so loved the world.

To God be the glory!

Pastor Sheree