Kevin WallaceAlmost weekly our eyes and ears are inundated with horrifying news reports of another tragedy in our nation. It seems that our desire to be a great and wonderful nation is often tested and tried by the next ugly chapter of our generation.
While all of these nightmarish stories have their own unique elements that make them different from the other, the common duet of racism and religious intolerance seem to constantly rear their ugly faces in the commentary of these events. Our nation has unhealed wounds that are still bleeding. Our troubled republic looks for leadership that provides hope and healing.
We set our gaze upon Washington, D.C., to be the compass that navigates us through these troubled times. Yet the cesspool of hate and gridlock that poison our capital have further contaminated our country rather than rescue it. The political reforms, social programming and enhancing of economic policies certainly play a significant role in the health of our nation.
But America’s greatest obstacle is far greater than a political or socio-economic problem. America is morally sick and spiritually bankrupt. America needs revival. America needs another Great Awakening. We need a visit from The Great Physician. Our eyes are blind, our ears are heavy and our hearts are hard.
But there is hope for America. His name is Jesus. And it is a demonstration of the Kingdom of God on this Earth in cities just like Chattanooga that will bring the kind of hope and joy that most long for.
What will heal our divided communities? I believe the seething pot of racial hate that is boiling in America will only be calmed with a demonstration of the love of God that is found through those who are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Notice I didn’t say members of a church. We have seen enough about the church. We were never called to promote our churches. How can the church rebuke the nation and speak prophetically to its injustices when our churches are as divided as our streets? How can we heal the neighborhoods of Ferguson and Baltimore with our “black” church/”white” church conversations that further reinforce the demonic assignments of hate and malice that exist in our land.
There is only one kingdom that has room for every kindred, nation, race and tongue. It is the Kingdom of God. We have been called to advance the Kingdom of God. We have been called to demonstrate Kingdom life. We the redeemed have been called to show our city a picture of heaven on Earth. That is what the Kingdom of God is all about.
There is no corner in heaven for white folk and another row for the African-American and still another section reserved for our Latino brothers and sisters. In heaven we will all be there together. It will not be for one hour on Sunday. It will be for eternity.
I think it would behoove us to begin to appreciate and enjoy each other’s company now. In Jesus’ name I decree that Chattanooga will see a demonstration of heaven on Earth. I decree that God’s goodness will crown our city and that his favor will rest upon our children. I decree that our streets will be rid of hate and malice and that all will find their place and their purpose in the Kingdom of God. I decree that we the citizens of the Kingdom of God have authority over the powers of darkness and we decree that our city will be healed and made whole so that all may come to know the love of Jesus.
May we open our hearts wide to all people. May our churches be a picture of heaven on earth. May racism, hate and poverty be stamped out in our city, in our generation.
Kevin Wallace is lead pastor of Redemption Point Church. He and his wife, Deven, have four children: Jeremiah, Isaiah, Zion and Judah.