Chaos in Washington as protesters descend on the Capitol: Two biblical and urgent responses

Protesters from a pro-Trump rally stormed the Capitol today, clashing with police and causing authorities to lock down the buildings.

I am writing this Daily Article special edition at 3:00 p.m. CST as the crisis is unfolding. Here is what we know at this moment: lawmakers who were debating the certification of Electoral College votes were forced into recess and evacuated from the House and Senate chambers. President Trump tweeted for the protesters to “stay peaceful,” then repeated his call for “everyone at the US Capitol to remain peaceful.”

However, the Washington Post is reporting that a person was shot inside the Capitol and is receiving emergency care. The FBI has been deployed to assist the Capitol Police.

I am watching a heartbreaking scene I never imagined I would witness in the United States of America.

Fox News’ Chad Pergram stated, “This is the most significant breach of an American government institution since the British burned the Capitol after the Battle of Bladensburg on August 24, 1814.”

I will say much more about this in tomorrow’s Daily Article, but for now, please focus with me on two biblical facts:

One: This violence is appalling and must stop.

We are commanded to “repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all” (Romans 12:17).

I understand that many Americans believe the election was rigged and stolen. However, such allegations do not justify the violence I am watching in our nation’s capital. I also understand that those storming the Capitol do not represent the vast majority of those with such concerns. However, a small number can do great damage to our nation and our unity.

The abhorrent tragedy I am witnessing will only tear our national fabric more deeply and must stop now. All Americans must condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms. Silence is not an option.

Two: Each of us must pray and work for peace in these unprecedented days.

We are commanded: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).

The rhetoric that is so hateful and divisive in our nation must stop. The condemnations of the “other” must end. We are all Americans. Our founding creed says, “All men are created equal.” Our motto, “E Pluribus Unum,” calls to us: “Out of many, one.”

Please stop what you are doing right now and pray for peace in the Capitol and peace in our country. Pray for God to protect our law enforcement professionals and our lawmakers. Pray for him to work through our leaders to end this violence. Pray for him to redeem this tragedy as a turning point toward a future of greater unity.

Then ask God what you can do personally to answer your prayer. If you have been speaking and acting in divisive and antagonistic ways, repent. Use your platform to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and call on others to do the same.

This is a tragic day our nation will never forget. May the response of God’s people advance unity in our nation to the glory of our Lord.