Social Distancing “For His Name's Sake” Respect

Social Distancing

“For His Name's Sake” Respect

Unity did not come out of the 1967 Riots, but Social Distancing did

Respect was lost and so was trust

God clearly tells us all have sinned

This sin damages our respect and the ability for others to trust us 

We must restore respect by doing what is right

Like the people cleaning up the streets after the vandalism

Whites must also use their influence as Whites

To stop fellow Whites from prejudice

Blacks must also use their influence as Blacks to stop fellow Blacks from prejudice 

The Good Shepherd guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake

For the sake of the Blacks and for the sake of the Whites

Let’s walk in righteousness as The Good Shepherd modeled

Borrowing from the late Great Martin Luther King Jr

“I have a dream”

But the dream will take us all working hard

To rebuild respect and recover from the lack of respect

“For His Name's Sake” Respect

David in Psalms 23 isn’t tooting his own horn.

He is telling us where his care comes from.

From the Lord, a very strong word.

Yet, David is very pleased to

submit like a sheep to a shepherd.

At the end of verse 3, David gives

the reason he is guided by the Lord…

“For His Name Sake”

The Lord’s name is on the line.

David realizes “righteousness” gives respect.

He guides me in paths of

righteousness for His name's sake.

Righteousness…

 The quality of being morally right or justifiable.

Righteousness embodies Justice.

Justice is…

 Just behavior or treatment.

One of God’s attributes is justice.

 He understands wrong must be paid for.

He understood the wrongs in

this world and clearly says…

 “The wages of sin is death”

God also has another attribute…

 He is love manifested in grace and mercy.

Only a righteous God can deal

with injustice without prejudice.

This gives God’s name respect.

You cannot trust someone you do not respect.

The cry in the streets of Milwaukee and

cities all over the country are crying out.

They are crying out for justice over the horrible,

humiliating treatment of a police officer.

An officer who took the life of an

African-American, George Floyd.

Protesters are crying out racial discrimination…

That Police are prejudice.

The protests have turned to violence and

destruction of property of fellow citizens.

Communities are being looted and burned.

America has seen this before in 1967.

 The riots started in Detroit and

spread across the country.

The damage to lives and community can

still be seen today over 50 years later.

In 1959, as a 6 year old,

I found my first black friend.

My best friend in the 3^rd grade was a black friend…

The only black family in our school and community.

One day I stood up to our teacher

for racial comments she made.

At age 14, I remember the 1967 Riots

in Detroit, 50 miles from us and

how they spread to Toledo.

I remember being scared to drive down

Dorr St and Detroit, passing the Black

Panthers cement building at age 16.

In 1969, I went to Africa for mission work.

My dad had a love for the Black people

and helped to restore a Black community.

 A project I helped him with and when

He passed I inherited the project.

Today, the houses we restored and

the lives we touched have peace.

I have many friends who are Black.

I have always loved the Black people.

So what is my point?

David said…

       

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

Righteousness gives the Lord’s name respect.

You will never trust someone you do not respect.

The respect of police officers has been damaged.

I want to believe the majority of police

officers really do care and take pride in

protecting and serving their communities

as diverse as they are.

As I grieve for the officers who are doing right…

I greatly grieve for my black friend’s and

all the black people who are suffering

because of those who are rioting.

One article written 50 years

after the Detroit Riots said…

“After the riots it was agreed

that separation was the answer.” 

Unity did not come out of the 1967 Riots…

 But division.

Respect was lost and so was trust.

God clearly tells us all have sinned.

This sin damages our respect and

the ability for others to trust us.

 

We must restore respect by doing what is right.

Like the people cleaning up

the streets after the vandalism.

Whites must also use their influence as

Whites to stop fellow Whites from prejudice.

Blacks must also use their influence as Blacks

to stop fellow Blacks from prejudice.

 

The Good Shepherd…

 Guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

For the sake of the Blacks

and for the sake of the Whites…

 Let’s walk in righteousness as

The Good Shepherd modeled.

Borrowing from the late

Great Martin Luther King Jr… 

“I have a dream.”

But the dream will take us all working hard to

rebuild respect and recover from the lack of respect.

Proverbs 21:21…

He who pursues righteousness and love

finds life, prosperity and honor.

Scripture Reading

Psalms 23:1-24:1 NIV

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.