WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?

WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?

            For several days, news of President Nelson Mandela’s death has claimed center stage in international news reports.  Renowned leaders of nations around the world joined thousands of South Africa’s citizens in the rain to celebrate the life and ligancy, and millions more by broadcast media and personal reviewing of his remains.

            History has already recorded the work and achievement of this freedom fighter that spent 27 of his 95 years in bondage.  From prison to president, he returned to unite this racially divided country into one nation.  What could have happened had he sought revenge when thousands could have been killed to overturn the denial of human rights of millions of citizens, was accomplished through reconciliation with the present government and the African National Council.

            History records Mandela was on the right side. But history equally records those who opposed his efforts and supported apartheid brutal enforcement denial of human rights to millions of Afrikaans.  America’s politics is divided into Left and Right camps.  It is interesting that the Right camp claims the right interpretation to the constitution…Right political path for our nation…and Right conservative religious standards. Could it be that these claims often fall short of what is right in the sight of God? History is a better judge of that than I. But I wonder how the action of some of these individuals square with God’s mandates for righteousness.

*POLITICAL, Senators and other elected officials refused to support legislation dealing with South Africa’s government as it relates to apartheid and freedom of Mandela.   President Reagan vetoed a bill to support Mandela’s release from prison but it was overridden by congress.

*RELIGION, Popular religious leaders, Jerry Farwell, Pat Robinson and others used their broad influence to denounce Mandela and support apartheid.

*MEDIA, broadcast and print led by O’Riley and Limbaugh, even upon the celebration

of his life, some would denounce Mandela as a communist.

            The record suggest that Mandela may have accepted support from anyone supporting his cause, but it will also suggest that he was more of a practicing principal human rights advocate than any of his critics. His work provided opportunity for millions to share in a democratic election while his critics in America are working, at this very moment, to restrict and limit that right for Americans.  WWJD “What would Jesus do?” It would appear that the attitude demonstrated by Mandela was more in line with the teaching of Jesus.

            Who is on the Lord’s side? Some on the Right will never accept President Obama  as President, and will continue their work to defeat his agenda. Some would even suggest that Obama’s Affordable Health legislation is equal to apartheid. The fact that President Obama shook hands with those who may be classified as our enemy may also be in line with the teaching of Jesus. Remember...President Mandela nor President Obama stands as our roll models… JESUS IS!  Who Is On The Lord’s Side?…THINK ABOUT IT!

                                                                        Pastor Jerry Jerkins

                                                                            931-220-1522

                                                                      Clarksville, Tennessee

                                                                     jerryjerkins@gmail.com