02-03-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 3, 2023
On this day in 1870, the 15th Amendment was ratified, guaranteeing the right to vote for all male citizens, regardless of race. It reads:

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

It was a dramatic statement of progress, yet we all know our history and know how little the impact was in many parts of this country. Progress, as right and just as it might be, is rarely welcomed with open arms by those who feel threatened by what feels like a loss of power. I am astounded by the various attempts by certain groups to obstruct access for people of color. Whether it was poll taxes, literacy tests, limited access to registration, or outright threats of violence (or real acts of violence) on the day of elections, the notion of progress was mostly in words.

This is nothing new for the human race, and sadly, it continues to manifest itself in so many ways even today. Progress, even when it is clearly right and just, makes many people feel uncomfortable. Change is uncomfortable when it appears to threaten what we have known and enjoyed, yet so often what I have known and enjoyed was to someone else’s detriment.

I am reminded of Isaiah 10:1-2…

Doom to those who pronounce wicked decrees,
and keep writing harmful laws
to deprive the needy of their rights
and to rob the poor among my people of justice;
to make widows their loot;
to steal from orphans!

Those are some strong words, but Isaiah was a prophet for a reason. Prophets intentionally tried to shock the system into awareness, unafraid of the short-term fallout. We need to look at those places where progress is being met with anxiety-infused pushback. The church should be a voice of calm in those moments, and, if necessary, do some helpful handholding into the good and just thing God is seeking to do.

O God of Justice and Righteousness, humanity has made some significant steps forward since we discovered fire, but that progress has often been hindered by our own insecurities and misguided understanding of what is good for all of humanity. Let us listen for you as we look to the life of Jesus, for somewhere in the mix, we believe there is a peace that will allow us to take another step forward. Amen.