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Praise 104.1
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So the verdict is in; a jury of his peers finds George Zimmerman “Not Guilty.” Yet despite the months of public trial both in and out of the courtroom, it appears this trial is far from over. As I sit down to write this, it has been less than 24-hours from the reading of the verdict. And what I have witnessed in this short time period has made me to re-evaluate my faith, belief and God lifestyle. In my flesh, I too desired to see George Zimmerman face a horrid fate or at least receive a punishment worthy of the crime (eye for an eye). But I submit this to you, as Christians do we really have the right to place judgement?

Where George Zimmerman sits spiritually I do not know, and for his part in the death of Trayvon Martin, unless he repents he most certainly will face judgment that only God will surely provide. Yet despite his part in committing murder whether in self-defense or intentional, his fate may be far less than those I have seen in the media in the last few days. As I sat and watched people act out because of the verdict, we were re-living the days of Rodney King, Martin Luther King and other injustices that have motivated the community to such acts of civil disobedience. There were looters smashing windows, men trampling on our nations flag, and an angry mob smashing police cars all in an effort to lash out at a verdict that many in this country believed was greatly deserved but didn’t happen. But it didn’t end there, I happened on a protest of believers holding in their hands signs that read, “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” One of the women began to speak of Jesus and the justice that she felt George Zimmerman still needed to face and then she began to share her hatred and disdain for this man. Speaking about God and justice, yet accompanied by desires to see him tortured for his actions (talk about two sides of the coin). Finally after the many hours of watching the news and weeping for Trayvons family and praying asking God to help me, I began to hear God speak. These women stood there as the epitome of what Paul had warned of, “Having a form of Godliness but denying its power.” They stood there feeling justified for their actions to see this man executed and tortured all the while proclaiming that they were vindicated by God to do so (sound familiar).

Then God dealt with me and my thoughts and the motivation therein. As believers of a great God He REQUIRES MORE OF US ……WHATEVER THE SITUATION!!!!  As believers, we may face a greater judgement than Mr. Zimmerman has faced at his trial on earth, and he will surely face it before God; but so will you. You speak of a murder that a man has admitted to having committed. Maybe he is innocent, and maybe not. But there are many Bible verses you should be aware of that deal with this subject. You call George Zimmerman a murder, but as John warns “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him” (1 John 3:15). You feel justified for seeking vengeance, conversely, human wrath is warned against in scriptures like Romans 12:19, “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” And maybe you feel that through this all, you have the right to physically harm Mr. Zimmerman. But just like David who could have taken vengeance on Saul when he felt wronged said, “May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you” (1 Samuel 24:12). David chose to forego his vengeance by submitting it to the Lord, and so should you.

As Christians, we should not get caught up in what we feel that the outcome of this trial should have been based upon. This case has divided this country and unfortunately it is no longer based upon the evidence presented, but on ones race or whether or not you feel Trayvon Martin was an innocent child or out-of-control juvenile delinquent. This is not where we should be focusing our energy. The verdict has been rendered and that is that, it now lies in the Hand of a mighty God and He will recompense evil better than we can. On one side, there are two parents that lost their son and will never get him back. On the other, there is a man that will forever have to carry this guilt and never be able to live life the same. If you are  feeling anger or desire retaliation,  seek out God and let His still small voice guide you into a place of peace. Pray for the Martin family and ask God to have mercy on George Zimmerman. Follow the Lord Jesus’ command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44), and leave the vengeance to God. It’s time we come together as a community no longer in hatred or revenge, but to now pray and begin the healing for BOTH the Martin and Zimmerman families.