So I'm going to take a detour from book updates and animal fun. This week has been a pretty crazy week as far as the country is concerned. Between riots, the continued worry about COVID-19, and a new month beginning, it's been a little hectic. While I'm not here to weigh in on political issues, I do think that what is happening can not simply be ignored. So let me encourage you with a couple of things I've
recognized this week...
recognized this week...
1.) God is in control
It's obvious, isn't it? We've heard it ever since we were coloring a picture of Noah's Ark, but sometimes, it just doesn't stick. When you've got the flu, it's pretty easy to tell everyone that you are trusting God. But when the country is being turned upside down and you never know what might happen next, it's a little harder. But if we truly believe that we serve a sovereign God, and that no matter what happens, He has ordained it for His glory, then we don't worry quite as much. In this time of madness, don't forget to turn your eyes upon Jesus.
2.) It's not about the riots
Everyone is feeling the need to express their opinions on the riots and the George Floyd controversy. I don't believe expressing your beliefs is wrong, but we are missing the real issue.
To be honest, I started this blog post with the intent of telling you exactly what I think. But after listening to a podcast or two, I began to see that telling you my thoughts on the latest political scandal is not what Jesus did. There were plenty of political issues in Jesus's day. I'm certain He had opinions on all of them. But did He ever publicly talk about His opinions on political issues? No, at least not any time that is recorded in the Gospels. His message was simple: "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand." (Mt. 4:17) In Luke chapter 13, a huge political issue was breaking. A tower had just fallen on certain Jews. The Pharisees' opinion was that these certain Jews must have been judged by God. Jesus, instead of getting into a political debate, points us back to the root issue. "...but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Lk. 13:5) In Luke 20, the religious leaders try to trip Jesus up by asking Him His opinion on if they should pay taxes to the Romans. He answers, "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Lk. 20:25) He directs it back to the real issue: man's relationship to God.
I do believe that discussing political issues is essential and can be beneficial. What is not beneficial is when we forget the root issue and start arguing about the outcome. I can't change the riots and protests, but I can tell people about where all the problems begin. We have to remember to preach Christ crucified before we try to talk through the world's pressing issues. He must be the focus in everything, for He is the only answer. To every problem. End of story.
I pray that each of you are focusing on Christ in these troublesome days.
Love from the farm,
Gracie Danker
