Waiting For the Other Shoe to Drop

Waiting For the Other Shoe to Drop
By: Chris Amos

Recently, videos went viral of two of NYPD’s finest being assaulted by a large group of illegal aliens. The suspects were arrested and immediately released from custody. The firestorm that ensued resulted in the re-arrest of several of the suspects. They are currently in jail, pending their trials. That is unless they have been released a second time. Am I confident that justice will be served in this case? Not hardly.

I always thought the blindfold on Lady Justice represented an unbiased justice system in which, in theory, justice was to be served regardless of race, sex, nationality, religion, etc. I’m beginning to think I was wrong. It appears in recent years the purpose for the blindfold has become more of a kind of see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing, do nothing system of justice in which crimes can be caught on camera, smoking guns can be recovered and even confessions given, and yet little, if any, price is to be paid by the guilty. As one entrusted with the dangerous, ugly, at times messy work of enforcing the law, such a system can break an officer’s or deputy’s spirit, rendering him or her absolutely indifferent to “protecting and serving”. 

I’d like to share an observation and then two Biblical truths that I hope will bring a level of sanity and hope to you, the men and women on the front lines in this battle for justice.

First, an observation. I am amazed by your sense of duty, honor and service, or maybe it’s just your need for a steady paycheck, but whatever the reason, you continue to show up, stand up, and put up day after day, night after night, shift after shift. You show up at your respective department or agency despite the current state of insanity sweeping much of the country. You stand up for what’s right, and just, and true despite the concerted effort to completely redefine what is right, just, and true. And you put up with all the garbage previously mentioned, day after day, night after night, shift after shift. Amazing, absolutely, unbelievably, mind-blowingly, amazing that you continue to do what you do!

As a pastor and retired police officer, let me try now to give you a Biblical perspective that I hope will bring a little sanity, peace, even encouragement as you strive do the impossible, under the most challenging of circumstances. Take hope in knowing God has the final say. He is not impressed nor persuaded by money, elections, special interests, politicians, district attorneys, or their woke policies.

As a young police officer, back in the late 1980s and ‘90s, I would get so angry as suspects would skate with a slap on the wrist, while their victims were left struggling to pick up the pieces and move on with their lives. All of that changed after I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord. God opened my eyes and mind to two great Biblical truths. The first filled me with tremendous gratitude, appreciation and humility. The second gave me a much-needed dose of peace.

What were these truths? First, and hear me on this friends, the Bible makes it clear that we have all sinned or broken God’s law and as such we are all guilty. In other words, in God’s eyes, we are in the same boat, spiritually speaking, as most of the knuckleheads we arrest as guilty and deserving of condemnation and punishment. The great news is God loves us so much He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty of our sins [John 3:16] that we might experience the unearned, undeserved, gift of forgiveness and eternal life in Heaven. Simply put, Jesus jumped on the proverbial hand grenade intended for you and me. He died that we might live. That kind of unconditional love continues to blow my mind, 37 years later. One can’t help but be filled with gratitude, appreciation and humility in light of God’s love for us.

The second great truth is simply this: God is the final judge, and His judgment is holy, righteous, just and true. Though our current justice system is inundated with injustices and miscarriages of justice, this second truth assures us every wrong will be made right. I don’t care who they are or how well-connected they may be, everyone will stand before God and give an account for his or her actions. Criminals may be able to evade justice in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Austin, or a thousand other places but trust me, their victory over the justice system will be short-lived. The other boot will drop soon enough and when it does, they will find themselves answering for their actions; no exceptions. They will stand before the Lord of lords and King of kings, and might I add Judge of judges. Justice will be achieved.

So friends, keep doing that which is right, just, and true. God sees. God knows, and with God we can rest assured that righteousness, justice, and truth will have the final say, if not on this side of eternity, then most assuredly on the next.

See you at the finish line!

Chris Amos is a retired officer and former spokesperson for the Norfolk Virginia Police Department. He is currently the pastor at Chr1st Fellowship Church in Norfolk. He is married for over 30 years and is the proud father of three children, two of whom are police officers. He serves as the volunteer Chaplain for Norfolk Police Dept. and Norfolk Sheriff’s Office.