22I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
This week the world paused to remember, arguably, one of the greatest men who ever lived. Heads of States from around the world, including our own President Barak Obama, went to South Africa to pay tribute to the life and the legacy of Nelson Mandela. Today’s Shepastor will not attempt to recount every aspect of historical specifics or a timeline, but rather, a sweeping overview of some powerful changes that happened within the late President Mandela’s heart, mind and soul...something that challenges us to be transformed as well.
Born in an aristocratic family, blessed with a high level of education and becoming a lawyer in South Africa meant that this “Black South African” could have lived out his life apart from the most brutal and oppressive aspects of the Apartheid system. However, he was not content to see his fellow brothers and sisters remain in such conditions. Pain and anguish swept over his soul as he watched the horrors of hatred and deep seeded racism play out in severe economic oppression, mutilation and bloody murder in the streets. Rebellion, hatred and even revenge bubbled up in his spirit. Wrongful imprisonment for 27 years…labeled a terrorist…considered a menace to society…why? He dared to challenge evil. But in the midst of hate, in the midst of pain, in the midst of injustice – God spoke to Mandela’s heart. He chose love over hate, reconciliation over revenge, peace over war, negotiation over separation….Love is stronger than death.
Former President Bill Clinton shared that when he asked President Mandela how he felt all of those years in prison, didn’t he hate his oppressors, he reportedly responded,
“Yes, for about 11 years. But one day while breaking rocks I thought, ‘they’ve kept you in prison, they’ve destroyed your marriage, they’ve robbed you of seeing your children grow up. They’ve taken all of these things but you have to give them your heart and mind. That day, I said I will not give them my heart and mind by continuing to hate them. I choose to be free…’”
Like Jesus, like Paul, like Martin, Mandela chose something radical – more radical than rebellion, more radical than revenge, more radical than so called terrorism. Mandela chose love…not to behave as if nothing happened, but “strategic love.” He worked with leaders from around the world to build a peaceful coalition that used economic sanctions against the apartheid regime. He worked with Bishop Desmond Tutu to hold the “Truth and Reconciliation” hearings that helped bring closure to the families that lost loved ones to the brutality of the Praetorian Police. He calmed the fears of White South Africans that under his leadership they would experience what they’d done to the rest of the country.
Certainly, Mandela could relate to David’s transformational prayer...
Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?Something deep down inside of Mandela caused him to realize that he wanted to be better than the oppressor. He did not want to become that which he claimed to despise. He cried, “search me… know me…lead me…” May we too find the strength to overcome evil with good by praying “Search me oh God…”
22I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
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