Derek Chauvin Verdict
Church, the day that many of us have waited on for almost a year, has come. There has been a verdict convicting Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd. While I am very relieved by this ruling, I also want to offer a word of warning to us in the wake of this news.
Already, the narratives are being spun, and the enemy would want nothing more than for us to be divided, angry, and afraid. We must fight this enemy with the Word of God in hope, trust, and love.
So, let’s look at Micah 6:8 to see how we, as believers, might respond to yesterday’s verdict.
Do Justice
First, don’t assume that what happened yesterday was justice. This verdict was a far cry from the Lord’s justice. It cannot bring George Floyd back to life. It cannot replace what has been lost after a year of grieving this death. The conviction of Derek Chauvin will not fix what has been broken.
Furthermore, this will do very little to mend the hurt of centuries of injustices done to our black brothers and sisters. The only thing that will help us heal is faithful repentance and supernatural forgiveness. We must plead before our Heavenly Father, who gives all good gifts to His children, for this to come true. As God works out repentance and forgiveness in our hearts, may we also pray for the courage to act on behalf of those who continue to live under the bitter weight of injustice and oppression.
However, that does not mean that what happened yesterday was not good. Many will rise to say that this was “mob justice” and that it should not have happened. Don’t believe it. This narrative is a ploy in a time of weakness in our country to gain political power by people who are not in it for your good. The Lord does not take lightly the fear-mongering that is continuing in this country.
Love Mercy
As much as Micah 6:8 gets quoted, I often wonder if we pay attention to the last two commands of this verse. Our culture does not love mercy, as much as we truly need it. Our culture loves payback and revenge. It must not be so in the Body of Christ.
Church, Have mercy on those who will not see this in the way that you do. There are many who are less informed and there are many who do not share your experience. If you simply cannot agree with them in any way, pray for them. But don’t villainize them. Don’t assume that because someone doesn’t see things the way you do that they don’t care about others or want the good of our country. The Lord is not done with them yet.
Also, don’t gloat over the punishment that Derek Chauvin will receive. As much as we can praise the justice that has been meted out, we must not rejoice in the destruction of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11).
Walk Humbly
In the same way that the Lord is not done with the one you disagree with, the Lord is not done with you either! Know that your views and opinions are not right in every possible way. You may feel very differently about things a few years from now. The Spirit is continuing to reveal truth and sanctify you. So be humble. Don’t demand your way, and don’t assume that you know everything.
Finally, Pray and Hope
This is a monumental time in the life of our country, but so much more is still needed. Regardless of whatever good is done, America is still a country that is raging against the Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 2). Our confidence and our hope cannot be in this country; it must be in God alone.
Yet, there is still hope in the good that can be done, and there is still so much reason to pray for it. So, please join me in praying this prayer.
Lord, we know that what happened yesterday was a failed attempt at the justice you promised in your Son. It is the best that sinners can do, and yet it is so far from what you promised to your children. Even as we are relieved by the results of this trial, we know that it does not come close to turning back the years of brokenness and injustice that have afflicted our world.
God, we mourn with our black brothers and sisters in Christ. We mourn that the weight of sinful justice in this fallen world still seems tilted against them. We mourn that even though this conviction happened, it will do little to encourage feelings of safety and peace for many who are in this community. We mourn that so much has been lost that will not be brought back in this life. Justice in this fallen world will not bring back George Floyd.
Jesus, we ask for healing. We realize that so much must happen for true healing to take place. We need injustice righted, repentance worked out, and forgiveness granted. But, those are things that you must do in us. Please, Savior, would you do that work among us?
Holy Spirit, we ask that you would be the bond of peace in our church. Give us wisdom in care and grace in conversations with one another. Help us to walk in humility and kindness with one another even when we don’t understand. Bring unity to our church and right care for those that are hurting and distressed.
Lord, we do not rejoice in the destruction of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). But, we thank you for the justice that was enacted yesterday, as weak and feeble as it was. May your grace and kindness be with all of those affected by this directly. Merciful Savior, would you grant repentance and salvation to Mr. Chauvin?
In all these things, we pray, come Lord Jesus.
Amen.