America’s
history includes the process, began by President Andrew Jackson in 1830, the
removal of the Cherokee Indians from the Great Smoky Mountains. This ultimately
resulted in what became known as “The Trail of Tears,” which caused the death
of about 4,000 Indians from cold, hunger and disease. These people were herded like animals to an
unknown land, now known as Oklahoma.1
The Cherokee were a proud people who
tried valiantly for years, to live peaceably with the white man. Yet their efforts were for naught. Instead of acceptance they suffered great
pain from frozen limbs even as they trudged through snow and icy waters;
enduring hunger which left them weak and worn; and disease which crippled the
very best of them and stole the lives of the smallest.
Other peoples of this land have also
suffered injustice: African Americans,
the Irish, and Chinese, to name a few, and interestingly enough, it seems Whites
are now dealing with racial discrimination, as well. It seems everyone at one time or another has
suffered due to race, color, creed, religious differences and even political
distinctions.
When
I consider the injustice of the Indians and all the many other people who
suffered, it causes me to reflect on the injustice our Lord suffered on the cross. Jesus was a man who came on a mission of
peace, who mingled with criminals, and went against the grain of the normal
every day. Yet he was quick to share hope and heal the sick. There were those
who wanted his removal and went to great lengths to see that happened,
including initiating riots, mockery, giving false accusations, repeated attempts
of “catching” Him say something wrong, and more. His life was given for the suffering:
emotionally, physically and spiritually. Ultimately He also had to leave, but
he wasn’t forced. He gave himself willingly.
The
removal of the Indians was a grave injustice, as were other horrible acts over
the years to others, and we see injustice continuing all around our world in a
variety of wicked ways. We are supposed
to take care of each other, by being a people who offer hope and aid to those
who need it, just as Jesus did. For
those who suffer we should make ourselves available, as Christ did, to offer
food for the hungry, a coat for the cold, and medicine for the diseased because
we never know when we will be “entertaining angels!” But even more important than this, is
offering encouragement, and the hope of eternal life, which can only come
through Jesus Christ. We need to share
God’s truths, His message of salvation and love that empowers us to move
forward.
Christ’s
life has not been in vain, as 2,000 years after his 33 years on Earth, He still
has power. He has the power to save, to
change lives and offer redemption. Because
of His sacrifice we have salvation and a direct line with the Father. We are encouraged to call on Him when
suffering, pray when sick, and rejoice when we are joyful!
I
challenge you to consider how you can help the needy. Is there a way you can help someone in your
community with food, shelter, clothes, and especially with God’s message of
salvation?
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