We must finally stop appealing to theology to justify our reserved silence about what the state is doing — for that is nothing but fear. ‘Open your mouth for the one who is voiceless’ — for who in the church today still remembers that that is the least of the Bible’s demands in times such as these? Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Meditation: Fear is sweeping the Congress. Our representatives refuse to talk. They are afraid to be bullied and publicly shamed – and then potentially lose their power and position. Isn’t that an understandable human response to threat? Many churches are quiet. Some churches actually secretly condone what is going on. Or at least they will not publicly denounce what is happening in our country. The “German Christian Church” declared Hitler as God’s sent savior and as their leader. They bought into the demonic myths that were created at that time. The resisting “Confessing Church” had to go underground. Eventually many clergy of the “Confessing Church” were arrested. Several were executed for their resistance to the regime. Last weekend we heard “Hail” shouting and raised arms that sent chills down my spine. Even though I was not alive when the German church sold out to Hitler, the collective memory lives in my soul and body. Let us as Christ’s church at least open our mouth on behalf of the voiceless.
Prayer: God of history, we pray for Your church to not conform, but be transformed by Your Spirit. God, do not allow for history to repeat itself. Let our theologies not become so corrupted that we confuse the demonic with your saving Grace. God, we are afraid of the darkness that is being emboldened among us. As Christians we need Your Spirit more than ever before. Let us be confessing churches that are exposing the fruitless deeds of darkness instead of colluding with them. God, have mercy! Amen
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11
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