I know I’m not the only one to feel some sense of relief upon learning of the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin. I also trust I’m not the only one to continue feeling deep sadness in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Philando Castille, Daunte Wright and so many other children of God whose deaths are the concluding act of a human drama that just shouldn’t end that way. And I too wrestle with how to continue supporting those who risk so much for the worthy ambition to protect and serve us.
That all of this feels like a paradox brings no comfort for sure. As Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison proposed, while not yet justice, Mr. Chauvin’s guilty verdict provides something important that points us in the right direction, accountability. If there can be anything positive that results in the wake of these sad and tragic events, I hope that the seeds of transformation have been planted.
The story that we have turned to in this post-Easter season is all about transformation. So when we ask, “what’s next?” we might want to think deeply about the places where transformation need to happen, and what transformation in our own lives might look like. This Sunday, we’ll read the story of a public official who is transformed just hearing the story of God’s love. In the weeks ahead, another public official responsible for persecuting those who have come to believe in the truths about Jesus, is not only transformed but begins a transformation of the very church that becomes the hands and feet of Christ for the centuries that follow.
The power of God to transform the world is ultimately what leads to a church that gathers at the corner of County Rd. C and Victoria. Transformation is in our DNA Prince of Peace. Though we might feel some relief, there is still much work yet to be done. Let’s start today.
May God’s peace come to you this day. –Pastor Peter
Let us pray:
Good and Gracious God, you are the author of life, and you help us transform the story. Fill us with your words of life, that we may live as your witnesses to the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.