By Steven R Dodd
SO the verdict is in; a jury of his peers finds George Zimmerman “Not Guilty.” Yet despite the months of public trial both in and out of the courtroom, it appears this trial is far from over. As I sit down to write this, it has been less than 24-hours from the reading of the verdict. And what I have witnessed in just this short time period has made me absolutely sick to call myself an American. Let me point out that I’m not here to debate the circumstances of the case or where I stand. What I am here to do is to convey a warning to those who believe they are right in their persecution of a man that was exonerated for his actions.
Where George Zimmerman sits spiritually I do not know. And for his part in the death of Trayvon Martin, unless he repents he most certainly will face judgment than only God can provide. Yet despite his part in committing murder whether in self-defense or intentional, his fate may be far less than those I have seen in the media the last few hours. As I sat and watched people decrying the verdict I was shocked at what I was witnessing. I watched looters smashing windows, men trampling on our nations flag, and an angry mob smashing police cars all in an effort to lash out at a verdict that many in this country wanted; yet now did not like the outcome. Nonetheless after seeing all of this I still could not get over the sight I would see next. As I continued to flip through news channels I came to a group of woman being interviewed. In their hands they held signs that read, “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” One of the women began to speak of Jesus and the justice that she felt George Zimmerman still needed to face. I’d go on to listen to her share her hatred and distain for this man. Speaking about God and justice, yet accompanied by desires to see him tortured for his actions. As I turned off the channel I sat there in disbelief. These women stood there as the epitome of what Paul had warned of, “Having a form of godliness but denying its power.” They stood there feeling justified for their actions to see this man executed and tortured all the while proclaiming that they were vindicated by God to do so.
If this is you, if you are one of these people that feel that your hatred and anger for George Zimmerman is warranted, let me give you a very stern warning. YOU may be guiltier than he is. George Zimmerman has faced his trial on earth. And he will surely face it before God; but so will you. You speak of a murder that a man has admitting to having done. Maybe he is innocent, and maybe not. But there are many Bible verses you should be aware of that deal with this subject. You call George Zimmerman a murder, but as John warns “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him” (1 John 3:15). You feel justified for seeking vengeance, conversely, human wrath is warned against in scriptures like Romans 12:19, “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” And maybe you feel that through this all, you have the right to physically harm Mr. Zimmerman. But just like David who could have taken vengeance on Saul when he felt wronged said, “May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you” (1 Samuel 24:12). David chose to forego his vengeance by submitting it to the Lord, and so should you.
As Christians, we should not get caught up in what we feel the outcome of this trial should have been based upon. This case has divided this country. And unfortunately it is no longer based upon the evidence presented, but on ones race or whether or not you feel Trayvon Martin was an innocent child or out-of-control juvenile delinquent. This is not where we should be focusing our energy. We need to respect the verdict and honor those involved. On one side, there are two parents that lost their son and will never get him back. On the other, there is a man that will forever have to carry this guilt and never be able to live life the same. I ask that if you are one of those who feel anger or contemplating vengeance regarding this case. Allow our Father in Heaven to sort this all out. Follow the Lord Jesus’ command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44), and leave the vengeance to God. It’s time we come together as a community no longer in hatred or revenge, but to now pray and begin the healing for BOTH the Martin and Zimmerman families.
