At the recent White House Correspondents Dinner, there was an assassination attempt on our President.  The gunmen never made it into the actually ballroom in an attempt to kill the President,  but was thankfully stopped before he could have caused harm.  It created a lot of fear, confusion and anxiety among those in attendance. 

I was struck by the response of Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erica.  She was overheard on a live mike, “I just want to go home.”  This  framed for me what has lead up to this moment in the history of our nation.  Civility is fractured today.  I have personally  committed myself to speaking in a civil and dignified manner in any public discourse I am involved in with those of a different opinion.  Civility in our speech can help change our present wilderness into a safe and secure place – more like home we all long for.  

Robert George, a Harvard law professor said the following in the aftermath of the assassination attempt. “Please, can everyone, right or left, MAGA or anti-MAGA, Republican or Democrat, stop catastrophizing and  trying to get everyone on your side worked up into a rage? ……..Our fellow citizens with whom we disagree are not devils or incarnate or personifications of evil.  We need to argue with our political adversaries – passionately perhaps – but with respect for their humanity and dignity.  We don’t need to destroy them.”

In the days to come, the rhetoric could very well become more heated and destructive in relationships, even within families.  As followers of Jesus, we have a firm place to stand.  It is Jesus, His Word and His kingdom, expressed clearly in Jesus’ words to Pontius Pilate.  “You say I am a king.  Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth.  All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” (John 18:37).  We have “Good News” for our confused and anxious nation.  It is all about Jesus and His kingdom. 

Eric’s deeply felt sigh of wanting to go home is a great metaphor for our nation at this time. Here are some of my reflection on “home” for all who live in this land.

First, the longing for home is innate to every human being.  God made us for fellowship with him.  Ever since the garden, man has longed for home.   Jesus tells us, “My Father, will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)  

Secondly, our world is a fearful and dreadful place. God calls us sheep.  We are dependent and vulnerable.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd.  He warns us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).  Jesus will keep us safe in this uncertain time.

Thirdly, as darkness descends on our nation,  the Christian has absolute confidence of being home in the arms of the Good Shepherd.  This is wonderful “good news.”  Jesus knocks at the door, “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me.” (Rev 3:20).  

Fourthly, I want to live out the last days of my life, pointing people to the Good Shepherd.  It is a great time to share His story.  Many feel  abandoned and far from home.   Jesus in response is accused of welcoming sinners and eating with them, He is acting as the shepherd, who goes out to find the one lost sheep.  The shepherd celebrates in find the lost sheep.  “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” (Luke 15:6).