Barb and I were sitting around Sunday night watching the programs that were celebrating our 245th Birthday as a nation. The show from New York was especially impressive with a melting pot selection of music and musicians. As one would expect, the celebration centered on the freedom brought about by the Declaration of Independence ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The celebration focused on this freedom, unity, and the newfound independence of the 13 Colonies. The celebrations also spent considerable time in recognition of all who had sacrificed themselves to secure and maintain this freedom over those 245 years. This wonderous melting-pot of ethnic diversity and cultural creativity was wonderful. The fireworks went on for a solid 25 minutes (plus) and it was a non-stop barrage of one kind of thundering fireworks after another. Woven into the last 10 minutes was a collage of traditional, patriotic songs that reached back to America’s roots and celebrated this freedom that we so wonderfully enjoy. What a wonderful country to be a citizen (or resident alien) and the uniqueness of our country; there is nothing like it in all the world.
Today I received from our Venture Church Network President (David Whitaker) a link from our previous hometown of Portland, Oregon. One of our churches, Hinson Memorial Church, is on the east side of the Willamette River, and it has been a foundational church in the Northwest since (about) 1879. Three days after the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade they were strategically attacked by a mob of about 100 people who came in the middle of the day to destroy, break windows, and bring destruction to this historical church presence. Clearly it was a tactical aggression against the church and the largest tenant they rent to, First Image – the local pregnancy center and post abortion care ministry. It seems to me this is a harsh reality between the glorious freedom that was ratified about 245 years ago and the reality of hatred and antagonism in our country. (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-monday-after-roe/).
What was particularly striking about the article is how the church took advantage of and continues to find opportunities to have gospel conversations with people who are hostile towards Christians. Michael Lawrence (Lead Pastor at Hinson Memorial Church) addressed the circumstances with much humility and grace. He asked for prayer as the staff continue to interact with their neighbors, work with the police and support the businesses that are renting space in their facility (the building that was attacked was their offices which is just down the street from the church gathering place). In the face of hostility, it would be a hard thing to sing America the Beautiful, but Pastor Lawrence seems to see the grace of God in a broken world.
The church is going to be called to “love their enemies” and “pray for those who persecute you”. If we have not learned, we are likely to learn how to love those who are antagonistic towards us moving forward. By His grace, I pray that we have our lives founded well in God’s grace and empowered by His Spirit.
Yes, there is much to celebrate as we reflect on our Independence and there is much to pray about as we see the deepening rifts in our world.
Pastor Brad Little
Oak Grove Church, Golden Valley MN
