Currently, in our nation, there are two emotional events that fill the news and social media, protesting, and lawlessness.  I want to share some thoughts from the scriptures concerning these actions.

Jesus was a protester!

The definition of a protest is a public expression of objection, disapproval, or dissent towards an idea or action.  As Jesus began his public ministry, He began to teach truth by protesting against the teachings of the religious leaders. Jesus started His protesting in His home church as He stood and read a passage of scripture then confronted the lack of faith and obedience of the Jewish people.  Luke 4:16-30

Jesus also publicly protested for deeper obedience beyond the teachings of the law.  Matthew 5:21-26 (Killing and hatred connected),  Matthew 5:27-28 (Adultery and lusting are connected). Jesus even calls His followers to be protesters in their public life.  Matthew 5:13-16 Be salt and light to all that is around you.  Don’t hide your testimony.  Protest His goodness, Grace, and Mercy.

Lawlessness

Along with the protestor that is rightfully voicing concerns about needed changes,  there are lawless groups of evil people causing violence, destroying properties, looting,  murder, and rage.  These are not protesters; they are rebellious criminals.

The Bible talks about the spirit of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10.  To summarize this passage, at the end of days, a demonic filled antichrist will come to power and will be utterly lawless to God.  He will have the authority to cause great violence and deception to the world.  Verse 7 states there is currently a power (God, Holy Spirit, Church Prayer, Christian’s Prayer) that is holding back the full power of this lawless spirit but it is at work today causing much anger and harm. We see it all around us.

Lawlessness and us

Each man and woman wrestles with lawlessness.  We are born with it.  You don’t have to teach a baby to say “no.”  It’s already in our nature.  As we come to Christ and repent, God places His Holy Spirit in us to give us the power to hold back and overcome that inner desire of lawlessness.  You feel it when you are wronged by others like someone cutting you off in traffic or causes you trouble or pain.  The desire to get even and return the pain is our lawlessness at work.  Jesus tells us to forgive others, or we will not be forgiven (strong protesting words.)  How often should I forgive my brother the disciple asks.  Jesus says always.  Also, love your enemies.  Let God be the judge.  All these truths push away the power of lawlessness of sin.

Protesting against lawlessness.

I want to share one last strong protesting word from Jesus that also contains the word lawlessness. These words of Christ should make everyone look inside and consider their relationship with Christ.  Our relationship with Christ is based on faith but expressed by our obedience. 

Matthew 7:21-23  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. ²² Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

How many people fill out churches and hear about Christ but do not obey Him? They sing praise songs and believe they are good enough for heaven but are not following Christ’s laws. In Christ’s eyes, they are lawless. We all sin and trip up. The keyword in this strong protesting message is the word “practice.” They practice lawlessness. It is not an accident or slip up. It is resistance to God’s words through lawlessness. Let us repent and ask Christ to cleanse our hearts. Ask God to fill you with His power to push back your lawlessness and follow Christ. Let your lightnside be a strong protest of God’s Grace and Christ’s cleansing blood.