Be still and know...

Good evening brothers and sisters,
            Such a beautiful evening, and an evening that brings sadness to our souls.
            I am not the only one, I’m sure, who reacted with disgust and horror as the police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the neck of an unarmed black man named George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN on May 25. Several other officers stood silently and idly by. As many police chiefs and officers across the country have said since that incident, those officers have dishonored and brought shame to the 95% of police officers who put their lives on the line to keep the streets and neighborhoods of our cities safe.
            In the same way, over the past few days and nights, protestors justifiably gather across our nation to raise their voices in dismay and alarm about the injustice of George Floyd’s death. That is their right, protesting has been in our nation’s DNA since the Revolutionary War. Like the officers who oversaw the death of George Floyd, the protestors who are causing violence to erupt in the streets are bringing dishonor and shame to the well-intentioned and legal protestors.
            With the nation trying to pick itself up after the pandemic shut down, as businesses are trying to safely do business again, as millions face an uncertain financial future, as tensions escalate with China; it is evident that of our nation, our people, and our faith are being sorely tried. These are difficult days.
            As I watched the news late this afternoon, the words of Psalm 46 came to me. I remember my Old Testament Professor, Dr Donald Gowan, saying that Psalm 46 likely was written when the nation of Israel was confronting a dark and violent time. As we face these days, perhaps this powerful Psalm will speak to us. I copy it below.
            Remember, tomorrow morning, is Pentecost. As the followers of Jesus faced a dark and uncertain future, God pour Holy Spirit over them. A day to rejoice and give thanks to our God who enters every darkened room with reason to hope. Shaun will send the video of the worship service to you in the morning. Look for it on the church website or Facebook page.  I hope you will join us.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Michael
 
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
    God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
    see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.