Pastor's Ponderings, June 1, 2020

George Called Out “Mama, I’m Through”

It is very painful to consider the agony of Mr. George Floyd as he lay dying on a Minnesota street observed by many, laughed at by some and killed by others.  He begged to be let up --pleading that his life was at stake; ignored until he no longer moved. Many have expressed outrage at this event as they added his death to many others over the years.  Truly our nation is in an uproar over this and other similarly grievous events.  In the midst of this horrific event, Mr. Floyd called to his deceased mother, “Mama, I’m through.” 

It is devastating to hear his pleading for help as he experiences such pain. We can never know what we will do or say or feel as our life ebbs away but hopefully as we lay down, we will also be able to look up and call to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Perhaps we can catch a glimpse of the angels who have come to accompany those that will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).  Perhaps we will hear God say, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord” (Matthew 25:23).

Hopefully this event like Mr. Rodney King’s beating in 1991 can spur an extended conversation about the “isms” that plague our country.  These isms result in so many dying, damaged, and in distress because of fear, hatred and a lack of empathy and sympathy.  We do not need any more of our citizens laying in the street calling out of because of their pain and bewilderment.  

As we experience this darkness together, we need to cling to our only hope which is in Jesus. We need people who are willing to lay aside their own anxieties, worries, and doubts and love each other as brothers and sisters.  Let us care for those dying in the streets. Let us treat each other as God would treat them (Ephesians 4:31, 32). Please!

Hebrews 1:14
New International Version (NIV)

14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Matthew 25:23
King James Version (KJV)

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Ephesians 4:31, 32
New International Version (NIV)

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.