Yesterday we learned of the death of one who is remembered as one of the greatest leaders and statesmen of the 20th century. So much has been said about him that eloquently captures his spirit and his commitment to what is right and good. He is admired for his leadership during South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy. He is extolled for embodying forgiveness and reconciliation.
So much of what we revere about Nelson Mandela stems directly from the teachings of the New Testament which is not surprising since he self identified as a Methodist.
Love your enemies and pray for your persecutors.
Turn the other cheek.
Bless your persecutors – bless and don’t curse them.
Don’t repay evil with evil.
Be concerned with the highest ideal in the eyes of all people.
Do all you can to be at peace with everyone.
Don’t take revenge.
If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them drink.
Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by doing good.
We see these teachings and many others from the New Testament embodied in the life of Nelson Mandela. He took the moral high ground. He looked at the long term result that was desired. He knew, as did Jesus, that if you win through violence, then you must rule through violence and intimidation. And then you have lost the battle for true freedom.
So many times I hear people say that the teachings of Jesus and Christianity are all well and good, but that they are utopian; not realistic. They can’t be incorporated into the actual workings of society and government. They are not practical for every day life in the world of today. And yet we see so much of Christian teaching put into practical application in the life of Nelson Mandela and he is rightly receiving due adulation and praise for his courage and vision.
We have so many leaders in the United States in government and business from the White House on down who claim to be Christian, to be followers of Jesus, who go to church, who pray, and who read the Bible. May they do more than praise Mandela; may they follow his example.
Prayer: We have been given a rich heritage of wisdom and teaching which is intended to lead us to our highest good as a human community and as individuals. And yet so often we settle. We settle for what is easy. We settle for what is quick. We settle for what is cheap. And we deny the riches and the value of our inheritance. May we have the courage to pursue reconciliation and justice. In this season as we prepare for Christmas may we refocus our lives on Jesus, the reason for the season. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 