GEORGE FLOYD - NATIONAL TRAGEDY

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was handcuffed by police officers in Minneapolis and placed face down on the road next to a patrol car. The video is horrific. A police officer has his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck while appearing to ignore his victim’s pleas: “I can’t breathe!” After eight long minutes, George Floyd goes unconscious and succumbs to death. It is an outrageous display of brutality and injustice that has shaken our nation, breaks the heart of God, and demands a response from your pastor.
 
FIRST, WE EXPECT JUSTICE
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8
It is impossible to watch the video and justify the actions of those police officers. It was an abuse of power and a betrayal of their pledge “to serve and to protect.” Earlier this week, the officer who victimized Mr. Floyd was arrested and charged with murder. Let us pray that our system of jurisprudence brings the justice we expect. Let us also continue to pray for the law enforcement community as we know the actions of this officer do not reflect the vast majority of police officers who serve with excellence and professionalism.

SECOND, WE ACT WITH COMPASSION
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. - 1 Peter 3:8
The fact that the officer charged with murder was white and the victim who died was black has torn open wounds that—for many—are real and very painful. Those in the African American community view this tragedy through a lens that many White People do not fully understand—myself included. It is a lens which reveals elements in our society that remain broken and continue to oppress minorities. It is not my place to elucidate those feelings but to simply embrace my brothers and sisters with compassion, empathy and support. To our family members at The Mission Church who are hurting over this tragic injustice, please know that when you hurt, we all hurt—and as your pastor, I hurt. We are here for you, we are praying for the family of George Floyd, and for the Black Community across our nation.

THIRD, WE VALUE UNITY
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. – Matthew 12:25
The enemy loves nothing more than to tear the Body of Christ apart. He seeks to leverage differing viewpoints to create offenses, prejudices and judgments in our hearts against one another. My brothers and sisters, we must be better than this. This is our moment in history to stand with those who mourn, not to argue our viewpoint. A man is dead. Families are grieving. Our nation is divided. Let us move forward with mercy, justice and humility advocating for the marginalized and mistreated among us. Furthermore, let us be careful how we frame our words in conversations and social media posts. This is a time to listen and understand rather than argue and divide.

Family, let’s be reminded that we live in a broken world. Sin has brought hatred, racism, injustice and suffering on many levels. As Christ’s Body, our place is to be salt and light, pointing every soul to Jesus Christ who alone brings peace to our turmoil. Let us continue to pray for our nation, for one another and speak words of truth, hope and life to the world.

Gregg Johnson
Lead Pastor - The Mission Church