Hope Remains

Three crosses representing Calvary and the sacrifice of Jesus between two thieves

Is this what it feels like to go to hell in a hand basket? Have we arrived? Cause it sure feels like it. Or better still, did we choose the wrong path in the forest and we are living in an undesired alternative reality? Not to additionally consider that perhaps hell has consequently frozen over. Suffice to say this last week in America has made me want to take my ball and go home; and even in that, it feels like some people think I received a ball, rather than earned it. Deep ancestral sigh. The passing of legislation that goes against the principles of Jesus, all while suggesting that decisions are being made in the name of Jesus is just too much. Folx were granted the green light to send people to Sudan, a war torn country, where only one hailed from. Apparently birthright citizenship is not a thing and sleeping Justice Coney Barrett allowed her slip to show by trying to come for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Furthermore, signing on Independence Day, the representation of divisiveness was more than I could stand….until I learned of the floods in Texas and the loss of children, while wondering if the cuts to storm prediction and warning may have decreased the catastrophe. While I’m not Jesus, to be sure, I wept. Still even amidst all the calamity and vitriol, I connected with family, learned a few more line dances, made a delicious dessert and immersed myself in worship as a regimen to counter what I felt deep down in my crumpled spirit. Because no matter how much I attempt to hold up the blood stained banner, the deliberate, hateful and selfish actions of others impact us all. And when it’s all said and done, the only big beautiful bill that I’m grateful for, is the one that The Holy One paid at Calvary. Everything else needs not to be acknowledged.

Jesus walked amongst the undesirable - those who failed to fit into societal expectations. In Luke 4:18-19 Jesus says, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” In fact, His time on earth reflected a social justice oriented lifestyle. In Matthew 9:36 we learn of Jesus’ heart, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” I find myself being exhausted seeking traces of compassion in the decisions, rhetoric, relationships and pure evil actions being taken. And when I’m not exhausted, I’m enraged and experiencing a sense of helplessness. But God. I’m reminded that the side show is a distraction. Just as Jesus disrupted barriers, that same power is available to us - and it was granted at Calvary, where the payment of sin was absolved through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The sacrifice of Jesus was for humanity, a stark contrast to what was signed into legislation in the White House most recently. While Jesus died for the poor, the orphan, the stranger, the widow and the disabled, the bill that the administration pushed traverses in the opposite direction. Watching and witnessing the attack on marginalized people (some who do not recognize their lack of access) is difficult and as believers, we have the gift of the Word of God that provides countless examples of God taking care of His people when evil became the law of the land. First, we can, should and must cry out to God. In Exodus 3:7 we read, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people…I have heard them crying out…and I am concerned about their suffering.” While harm is being enacted and taking us by surprise, we can rest assure that it is not surprising God. God sent His only son so that we might have life and that more abundantly. When policies lack alignment with the intentionality of God, we can be certain that God is taking notice. Second, Jesus identified as a marginalized individual. In Matthew 5:20 we read, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these…you did for me.” As the playbook of Project 2025 unfolds through the “big beautiful bill,” and the “least of these” are most directly impacted, let us recall that God is not mocked. Finally, I am reminded that we have help. In church yesterday, a guest minister and psalmist reminded us of the power of the Holy Ghost. Even in this, we are not alone! We have help and we have each other. Whatever we have the power to do in our grasp, may we move swiftly to engage. We can vote, share meals, clothing, rides and resources, such as money, time, presence, embrace and affirmation. No matter what happens around us, we have ownership and the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct us into all truth.

Perhaps as we delve into understanding the full impact of the “bbb” we may choose to direct our attention to the full impact of the zero balance on the bill paid by Christ at Calvary. Accordingly, might we continue to advance the underlying truth that compelled Him to engage the ultimate sacrifice - to eradicate sin in the earth. Although the fight is fixed, we cannot rest on our laurels. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). We can hold our faith, lament and engage action concurrently. No vote, no schmoozing or signage is necessary. It was paid by Jesus.