Yesterday, January 6, 2020, was a dark day in our nation. We watched as protestors stormed the capitol building in Washington D.C. in an act unprecedented in our country’s history. It capped off the most vitriolic and divisive political season I can ever remember.
Because our nation continues to face extreme partisanship and the prospect of violence as we enter a new year and new presidential administration, I am asking us as a church family to join together in prayer to ask God to bring peace and healing to our land.
In Isaiah 30, during a time of political upheaval for the people of Israel, the people of God were tempted to turn to foreign alliances with Egypt or their own military strength for salvation. But God reminded them where their true salvation lay:
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.”
Isaiah 30:15
Let us, in a posture of quiet confidence, turn to our God and rest in his power to deliver us:
- Let us pray for peace and an end to violence of all forms as we enter a new presidential administration (Psalm 147:14)
- Let us pray for justice to roll like a river in our country (Amos 5:24)
- Let us pray for compassion and patience among our fellow citizens, especially within the church (Colossians 3:12)
- Let us pray for repentance for those in the Church who have strayed from the path of Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- Let us pray for boldness to continue proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the power of his kingdom to bring healing to our broken world (Philippians 1:20)
These are difficult days, friends, but I want to remind you: we are the body of Christ! We are light bringers! We are God’s plan A for the restoration of this world and there is no plan B! This is the time to show our friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens what self-giving love looks like and lead not with hatred, but with compassion.
Light always overwhelms the darkness, and there are brighter days ahead. “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:23).
I love you and I am so proud to be with you on this journey.
In Christ,
Barry Rodriguez
Senior Pastor
Grace Church