Rodney King was a taxi driver who became internationally known when a tape was released of him being beaten on March 3, 1991, by the Los Angeles Police Department officers following a high-speed car chase. The footage showed four officers brutally and repeatedly striking a defenseless King while other officers stood by and did nothing. The four officers were charged with assault with a deadly weapon and use of excessive force. At the trial, none of the officers were found guilty of any of the charges. Within hours the 1992 Los Angeles riots started because of outrage over the outcome. It lasted six days, during which 63 people were killed and more than 2,000 were injured. In the midst of the violence Rodney King himself appealed for calm by asking the now-famous question, “Can we all get along?”
When Abram and Lot’s possessions became so great the land they were both dwellings in could no longer sustain them, there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and Lot’s livestock which led Abram to say to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers” (Ge 13:8).
Sadly, many of God’s people still have a very difficult time getting along with brethren and other people. Christians who should be blessing their churches, homes, workplaces, classrooms, and communities with peace are often guilty of cursing them with strife. 1 Co 1:10-11.
That we might get along with each other and all as we ought, in this morning’s lesson let’s consider what God teaches us in His word about strife.
For further reading, click on the sermon lesson sheet