QUESTION THE BIBLE AND SEE WHAT YOU FIND?
‘But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. ‘ II Thessalonians 3:3
This is not a writing sessions about answers, but rather questions. I don’t pretend to know the answer to these questions. This is just a few moments inside of my brain regarding this passage in 2 Thessalonians.
When I opened up this passage, so many thoughts and questions flood my mind. And, as a person who grew up in church, who attended WAY too many services, this is conflicting. It’s hard to read.
Here are a few questions I have.
How is the Lord faithful during this season? Systematic racism has been happening for centuries, decades and years. Why does it continue?
Why does God allow black people to be treated this way?
If I’m black, reading this scripture, how has God ESTABLISHED me?
Once again, if I’m black reading this scripture, how has God GUARDED me from the evil one?
Why was George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner and others NOT GUARDED? What would they say if they were reading this scripture?
How has God been faithful to the black community? How has God protected them?
Who is the evil one in all of this systemic racism?
When I’m not guarded, why is that? Did I do something wrong?
It’s easy for me to read this verse and say, “yes, God has been faithful to me in my life. Yes, God has guarded me and helped me become established.” This is a verse I can hold onto. However, if I was black, I just don’t know what I would do or say?
If I was black in America, it would be really difficult for me to trust God. It would feel idiotic to trust anything that white people say. If I was black, I just don’t know how I would even pray as I watched so much police violence displayed?
I just don’t know and I’m ok with that. However, it pains me to think about it. It pains me to imagine reading these verses knowing how many problems continue against a class of people.
Lord, help me to understand.
