THE GEORGE ZIMMERMAN VERDICT AND THE WORD OF GOD

By Bishop Dr. Bradley Carey
(c) 2013
All Rights Reserved



Posted: 15 July 2013


It seems that during the last couple of weeks, the news here in the United States and been flooded with information regarding the George Zimmerman trial and his being accused of murdering Trayvon Martin. All sides in this case are guilty of playing off the fears and emotions of the people. All sides are guilty of name calling, threats, intimidation and harassment. George Zimmerman maintained that it was self-defense, while the prosecution claimed it was deliberate murder. On Saturday, 13 July 2013, the jury found George Zimmerman not guilty and murder and the court ordered his immediate release.

It was not even five minutes later, there were calls of racisms and favoritism. Many have been and are calling for massive riots nationwide and disruption of services, both important and those that are not. We have already seen large groups of individuals blocking major roads and highways. Even if he was found guilty, we would see people doing the same thing. No matter how you feel about the verdict, this is NOT the responsible of Biblical way to respond. It is not about if it was a fair verdict or not, it is about how you are conducting yourself because of it! The individuals who are behind this, and some of them even claim to be Christians and even ministers, feed off of this sort of thing. They love to stir up anger and hatred and get problems going and get things to run out of control. The worse they can make things, the more they feed off of it. They may claim to be Christian and even ministers of Christ, but this is not the sort of thing Christ would condone. If anything Christ would reject these very actions and attitudes. These people, instead of following Christ and His ways, have given in and are following the ways of the world, and he who is behind it, the devil. They have bowed down to his evil and put him above God. They have freely elected to follow the god of this world.

In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 4:4

As Christians, and representatives of the Kingdom of God, we are not to stoop to these practices. We are to be above it and set an example for the world to see, and hopefully follow. If we do not agree with the jury’s decision, then yes we can voice our opinion. We can discuss it with others. But, we are NOT to go out and cause riots, civil disruptions, interfere with public services. Doing so, makes one no better than those who are rejecting God and all He stands for and represents. We are to pray for all of those involved. We are to be there and offer prayer or even counseling to those having problems with the court’s verdict. And most of all if we disagree with the jury’s decision, and believe that he is guilty of murder, then we must remember that he will face a final judgment for his actions God knows all and sees all. God does not base His decision and judgments on what other say or do. He bases them all on the facts and only the facts.

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
Luke 12:2-3

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 12:16

We are not to go out there and try to take revenge for what we feel may be wrong. We are to stand firm by the Word of God and warn those are contemplating or seeking revenge for a perceived wrong what the Word of God says.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Romans 12:19

If you see someone trying to stir things up and get people to let their emotions control them and promote hatred and violence, be an example of Christ and try to calm the situation. Remember what Christ Himself says to us in Matthew 5:9:

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

If you see someone who is upset by the course of actions that have been taking place, or even if you yourself are, seek out a minister, Christian counselor, or another Christian whom you trust to give you correct and Biblical advice and let them know your concerns.

I pray that this will help each and everyone who reads it. I pray that God will still your heart and put His Word into your heart and mind. Remember, God is in complete and total control and He causes all things to happen for His purposes.