Can we take a moment to pray for the families of the fallen officers in Dallas?

Every time I hear of an officer who has been killed in the line of duty, I think of Jeff, my son-in-law, who serves and protects in Fresno. Night after night Jeff goes on duty, and I’ve never asked him why. I can’t imagine all the horrors he faces as he deals with drug addicts, prostitutes, gang bangers, victims of domestic violence, etc. But I do know that God is with him.

Romans 13:1-5 lays it all out. God establishes governing authorities, including police officers. Whoever rebels against these authorities are rebelling against God. Police officers are agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (I’ve placed the entire text of Romans 13:1-5 to read for yourself). After reading this scripture, I feel so sad for those people who don’t realize how big our God is.

About 13 years ago, I had an opportunity to do a ride-along with a police officer as part of a Citizens Academy in Fresno. We started about 9 p.m. and it was exciting—at first. Then we were called to check out a crack house in the Tower District. The officer thought I would be safer with him, so as he investigated the basement of this house with no electricity, I was right behind him. I was scared. I had no idea what we might find or who we might find. We did end up arresting someone at the scene, and I’ve never forgotten this experience. It gave me a whole new respect for the officers who are sworn to protect us.

According to some statistics, there are over 900,000 police officers nationwide. Almost one million men and women serve their local communities, yet we only hear about the ones who have abused their authority or those who have died in the line of duty.

Today, I’d like to thank all the police officers who go to work every day to protect our rights, our families, and our homes. But most of all, I’d like to thank Jeff. I’m so proud of him, so proud of the way he carries the added burden of responsibility. I’ve seen him come home after his shift and never have a cross word with his “girls.” I’m not sure if he knows God called him for this duty, but I hope to have that conversation with him soon.

As promised…

Romans 13:1-5, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”