I was inspired as I read the headlines. Inspired by the character and resolve of a group of people that refused to accept injustice from the very place that it should have been found.
On April 15 1989, the UK came a standstill. What should have been a celebration of the nations favourite past time turned into a horrific spectacle broadcast onto Television screens around the world. Ninety-six Liverpool fans were crushed to death and never came home that day. As tragic as the disaster was, there was something even more troubling; the decision by the authorities to overlook important evidence that could shed light of why events went so wrong on April 15 1989. For example the emergency response was a major omission and to the sceptic smacked of “cover-up”.
I’m not here to discuss about the rights and wrongs of those events but to focus upon an amazing group of people. The families, friends and those associated with the “justice for the 96” campaigners whose relentless pursuit for justice was rewarded 27 years, 11 days after the event.
Reflecting on these events brings a word to mind that is not a popular concept in today’s, “on demand” society: Persistence.
In Luke 18:1-8 Jesus tells us a story that, like the story of Hillsborough, demonstrates the power of persistence. A widow relentlessly sought justice against an adversary from the town Judge. We are told the judge didn’t fear God and he wasn’t swayed by the opinions of other’s. Initially the judge refused the requests of the widow, but through relentless persistence the judge changed his mind and relented. The widow brought into reality, that, which she so vehemently fought for. Had she taken no for an answer at first refusal, she would never of been given justice.
“Never, never, never give up”
Winston Churchill
As I reflect on these events and the parable of the persistent widow, I wonder how many times I have accepted an answer that I didn’t want to hear, (or given up on an unanswered prayer) and gave up I my petition? Obviously there are some unanswered prayers and “no’s” that are for our own good. For example God never answered my prayer to marry Gemma Baines, when I was 11 (and to be honest, looking back I am really glad he didn’t (oh if you are reading this blog, hi Gemma!).
We are followers of Jesus living in such an “on demand” era. Therefore, we need to counter the cultural trend of “instant gratification” and learn from the victories of the persistent. I believe there are requests that we need to fight relentlessly and persistently for: Our family and friends who are yet to know Christ, the injustices in our society, healing and even the God given desires of our heart. So I encourage you: Keep on, keeping on!
yesHEis UK from CVUK on Vimeo.
