Mourning, Binding, and Loosing

Over the past few days, the Lord has been teaching me how to respond better to all of the tragedy in this world. It's no secret that I am a news addict and make a concerted effort to be informed about current events. (It's not uncommon for me to spend hours on end reading the news and researching the issues at hand. I probably have a problem, if I'm honest.) It's also no secret that the world seems to be completely falling apart. No doubt anyone who is the least bit informed is feeling pessimistic about what the future holds and impotent when it comes to addressing any of the day's issues and conflicts.

The lesson that Jesus is teaching me began when I read an article on Red Letter Christians, which is an organization that provides commentary and articles about current events from a Biblical perspective- or rather, in light of Jesus' words- that is, the Bible's red letters. I have provided a link to the article at the bottom of this entry.

In short, the author tells us that as we read about and engage with the suffering in our world, that we should be intentional in sitting with the pain. Romans 12:15 reads "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Of course, it's easy enough to mourn with people close to us and to sit in sadness over things in our direct circle. But in this passage, Paul does not differentiate; therefore, we may conclude that his instructions apply to all circumstances. We are to mourn over all injustice and to stand in solidarity with all who suffer.

When I read the news, I mostly get annoyed and angry. I feel hatred towards those perpetuating violence and annoyance with people who are uninformed. And then I try to get on with my day. I know that there has to be a better way to respond, and I believe that Jesus is teaching me what that is. I want to be more intentional about processing and sitting with what I read and to cultivate compassion as I do so.

Last night I listened to an awesome sermon from Trinity Anglican, and it carried me forward in this theme. In Matthew 16, Jesus takes His disciples to Ceasarea Philippi, and there in the context of pagan worship, He asks them who people say He is. After Peter says that he believes Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus gives him the "keys of heaven." That is, He entrusts Peter with the work of the Kingdom of God. And that work is to bind and loose things in Jesus' name. To bring His kingdom to earth.

I love what the Lord is teaching me here. It is not enough for me to be informed. It is my duty (and perhaps even my privilege) to mourn with those suffering around me. But it doesn't stop there. Jesus has entrusted me (and all of us who follow Him) to bring His kingdom to this sick, sad, hurting world. It's a tall order, but it sure beats sitting around and getting annoyed.

http://www.redletterchristians.org/mourn-gaza-israel-tweet/