BIBLE vs the NEWS

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In this episode of Bible versus the News, we delve into the tumultuous events unfolding in Los Angeles, where protests have escalated into what some describe as riots. The city is under a tense calm following a night of curfews, with National Guard troops and marines deployed on the streets. This has sparked a national debate, with California's governor challenging the federal intervention. We explore the dual narratives emerging from the city: peaceful demonstrations demanding justice and chaotic scenes of destruction. Drawing from Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, we reflect on the deep-seated issues and the familiar cycle of unrest that seems to repeat itself.

Amidst the turmoil, we turn to scripture for guidance and solace. Philippians 4 offers a remedy for anxiety, urging us to pray and seek God's peace, which surpasses all understanding. We discuss the importance of wisdom, as outlined in James chapter 3, contrasting worldly disorder with divine peace. The episode emphasizes the role of peacemakers and the power of prayer in fostering a peaceful and dignified life. Ultimately, we are reminded that our hope lies not in political leaders but in God, our refuge and strength, as we navigate these challenging times.

[00:00:00] Unknown:

Good afternoon, and welcome to Bible versus the News. We're looking at Los Angeles, where the city is entering its day of widespread   protests that look like riots.   An uneasy calm holds this afternoon after a night of curfews,   but tensions remain incredibly high.   The city has become a flashpoint in a national debate with thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of marines on the streets,  

[00:00:25] Unknown:

a move authorized by the White House but contested by California's governor. That's right. And when you look at the firsthand reports flooding social media, you see a city completely divided against itself.   On one hand, you see live streams of peaceful marchers holding signs, demanding what they call justice for their communities.   But then on another feed, you see chaos. You see commercial grade fireworks exploding in the streets, police lines advancing on crowds, and the wreckage of burned out vehicles.   It brings to mind Proverbs 29 verse two. When the righteous increase, the people rejoice. But when the wicked rule, the people groan. You get the sense from the streets that this is a collective groan, a deep seated feeling that something is fundamentally   wrong.  

The question many debate are which rulers are at fault, those that have led to this point or the ones attempting a correction. And the official response has been significant.  

[00:01:20] Unknown:

The LAPD has confirmed nearly 400 arrests since Friday,   ranging from curfew violations to assault.   Meanwhile, governor Gavin Newsom's lawsuit against the Trump administration   to block the use of federalized troops is set for a hearing, turning this into a legal and political battle as much as a street level one. It is. And watching it all unfold, you can't help but feel a sense of tragic familiarity.  

[00:01:45] Unknown:

As the writer of Ecclesiastes said,   what has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done. And there is nothing new under the sun.   We've seen these images before, in this city and in others.   In all this, the call from the Sermon on the Mount feels distant.   Blessed are the peacemakers,   for they shall be called sons of God.   Right now, it's hard to find the peacemakers in the midst of the turmoil. A city on edge indeed.  

[00:02:10] Unknown:

Authorities are bracing for more coordinated demonstrations planned for this weekend.   And for those watching, it's natural to feel anxious.   The images are unsettling. The rhetoric is heeded. But scripture gives us a direct answer for anxiety.   Philippians four tells us, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication   with thanksgiving,   let your requests be made known to God.   And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,   will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   That's not a passive peace. It's an active guarding of our hearts. And that piece is tied directly to wisdom.  



[00:02:49] Unknown:

The chaos we see, the anger, the division   is the opposite of the wisdom God provides.   James chapter three lays it out perfectly.   It says that worldly wisdom leads to disorder in every vile practice.   But then it describes a different path.   But the wisdom from above is pure, then peaceable,   gentle, open to reason,   full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.   And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace   by those who make peace.   That's the answer to what can we do.   We can be people who sow peace.  

[00:03:24] Unknown:

So it starts with our own hearts, choosing prayer over anxiety and seeking wisdom that is gentle and merciful,   and it extends to our actions. We're called to pray for kings and all who are in high positions   that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. That means praying for our leaders on all sides of this issue, for wisdom, for restraint,  

[00:03:47] Unknown:

for justice, and for peace. Exactly. Because in the end, our hope isn't in any political party or human leader.   It's in God.   Psalm 46 reminds us, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.   Therefore, we will not fear though the Earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam.   That is the bedrock we can stand on, even when it feels like everything is shaky.