Deuteronomy 32:35 Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.’
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When I turned the news on this morning, I was shocked to learn that two police officers had been shot in Ferguson. My prayers are with them and their families. I am shocked at the brutality, but I am sad to say I am not surprised. Given the racial tensions in my own case, this situation is close to my heart. I cannot lie; I am very disgusted with our legal system. The racism in our justice system has deep roots. It is heinous and unacceptable. Does it anger me? Yes, of course it does! That being said, I want it to be known that I condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by misguided people against the police. We are not living under the Old Testament. We must not seek “an eye for an eye”. It is wrong. I am very upset with the state of our justice system. Never-the-less, I do not wish any harm to come to the corrupt tyrants who are responsible. I would like them to be prosecuted and I pray that the system will change. I am also hoping that people don’t jump to conclusions. We do not know who shot those officers or why. I truly believe that the majority of people protesting are peaceful, non-violent men and women.
I attended a bible study last night here at the jail. As usual, I was the only person of color. A man who is a known racist decided to attend. Out of nowhere, he suddenly began to ramble on about the resignation of the police chief in Ferguson. He said, “That man is a hero. He is thinning out the blacks by killing them and locking them up. He shouldn’t have to resign.” I was appalled and disgusted. Not just by what he said, but by the fact that he said it during a fellowship for the Lord. I was angry, but I held my tongue. This is not something that is new to me. I cannot tell you how many times I have been called racial slurs here. So far the jail administration has done very little about it. Yes, I was angry, but I realize that violence is not the answer. I understand that the devil is working in the hearts of racist cowards. Thus, I forgive them and pray for them; for they know not what they do. I pray that the man who made those statements continues to come to church. I pray that God touches his heart. I harbor no hate towards him or any racist. I pity them for they are lost and misguided. We should all have that attitude towards those who hate. I pray that the violence will cease in Ferguson. I also pray that the sane and rational protesters continue to protest and seek change. We must not give up. We must continue to fight. I know how important my case is for the country. I will not give up the fight; neither should any of us. I implore you to fight the good fight. Fight righteously – without violence. Please! Stop the violence.
I Timothy 1:18-19 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck
May God bless and keep you! May you know peace in Christ! May our justice system change!
Love in Christ,
Randall
For further study, read 1 Corinthians 13