JESUS: CHANGE AGENT is described in Luke 2:22-40. Simeon says to Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed, so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Jesus came and daily comes to create life giving change. As Jesus’ teachings and healings stirred joy and conflict, we who follow Jesus are called to create joy and conflict. Similarly, as Jesus lived and died on the cross, so are we called to expect nothing more and nothing less. These realities are the nature of discipleship.
Recently, a woman related gun violence prevention to “fairness”. Is it fair that people can purchase guns with little regulation and put a nation at risk of gun violence? I would suggest the answer be “No”! FAIRness necessitates CHANGE.
In Minnesota, the 2018 Legislative Year will probably bring forth two dangerous gun violence bills: Permitless Carry and Stand your Ground. Stand Your Ground means that a person with a gun can legally shoot another person to protect themself if they FEEL threatened. Permitless Carry means you can purchase a gun and carry a gun with little or no restriction or background check. Open the gun violence floodgates!
The debate over bills will ignite significant conflict because they will challenge the gun lobby, the NRA and the Gun Owners of America. This challenge demands CHANGE from unfettered gun rights to common sense gun laws in the name of public health and public safety.
We people of faith can rest confident that by entering the arena of gun violence prevention, an arena of joy and conflict, we are in GREAT HANDS! Jesus has been there and continues to engage with us this quest for gun safety and protection of All God’s people. We are JESUS’ CHANGE AGENTS!
Peace!
Rev. Dr. Ron Letnes