Every year, TIME Magazine chooses a “Person of The Year.” This title is designated for the person who has had the most significant impact or influence on society. In 2011, Time recognized “The Protestor” as the Person of the Year. From all over the globe, protestors were recognized for their efforts to bring about a revolution.

Protestors in Tunisia and Egypt demanded democracy.

Protestors and activists attempted to flee persecution from Syria.

Protestors fought corruption in India and the United States.

A movement known as “Occupy Wall Street” sought to bring attention to America’s economic policy stance.

Fast forward to today: we have witnessed the result of radical protesting that resulted in violence and fatalities in Washington D.C., extending the political tension and divide that our nation was already experiencing. The current system is not working; for some, it serves as a disadvantage.

Over the years, America has seen its fair share of protests:

• Rosa Parks and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr protested against segregation, birthing the Civil Rights Movement.
• Various feminist and women’s suffrage movements have led to amendments granting women the right to vote.
• Trayvon Martin. Ferguson. Baltimore. George Floyd. There has been a protest against what some may perceive as police brutality.
• This past presidential election cycle has produced a toxic environment that resulted in chaotic and violent protests.

For us to see and understand the true potential of protests, let’s take a journey roughly 2,000 years back in time. Barabbas was known as a “notorious prisoner.” He was known for being a murderer and a robber. Yet this is who the people demanded. They not only requested Barabbas, but they protested against Jesus and called for his crucifixion. In today’s society, many are still protesting Jesus. They are protesting the cross.

Here are some examples of modern-day biblical protesting:

• Roughly 58 million babies have been aborted since the passing of Roe v. Wade in 1973. This is not about being pro-choice or women’s health, but it is a protest against God’s law.
  
  Jeremiah 1:5 states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
  
• The Supreme Court’s decision to redefine the meaning of marriage is not about equality. It is a protest against God’s divine order for the family.
  
  Genesis 2:24 states, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
  
• The idea that a person can choose or change their gender is not about the power and ability to choose. It is a protest against God’s intent for humanity.
  
  Mark 10:6 declares, “But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.'”

What will the church do in a world that is screaming for Barabbas?! What will the church do in a world that is being influenced by the political and cultural world? For many people, the crucifixion is merely an account of ancient history instead of something that should compel them to draw nigh to Christ.

Calvary and the blood of Christ have been reduced to worship lyrics that may cause one to shed a tear or two, but once church is dismissed, there are many who continue to calls for Barabbas.

2 Timothy 3:1-5: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

A protest is symbolic of a mindset that believes a current worldview is no longer beneficial or essential. Men, be careful what websites you visit: The spirit of Barabbas would love nothing more than to possess your computer, and as a result, destroy your family. Young people, be careful with whom you associate. Barabbas is on the run, and he’s looking for company. There’s a spirit of Barabbas that’s trying to destroy our world. It’s not just with the common sins: adultery, fornication, murder, stealing, etc. Barabbas is simply anything or anyone other than Christ.

It can be your job, your hobby, your spouse, technology. It’s whatever you think is more convenient and worthwhile than serving God. It can be tradition, complacency, or apathy. It can be rebellion, which in essence is a protest against the kingdom of God.

I John 2:15-17 says: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

You know what’s scary about the release of the prisoner Barabbas? It was the chief priests and elders that persuaded the multitude to ask for Barabbas! (Matt 27:20)

Many will abandon the message of truth. Many will say that repentance and baptism and the infilling of God’s Spirit is no longer essential. Many will say that living holy and being separate from the world is no longer required. Now is the church’s time to protest against sin, but not the foundation of our freedoms: The Word of God.

Now is the time for the church to be vocal against unrighteousness and immorality. The world is already protesting against biblical instructions. Let’s not join in with them.

Demetrius Minor

Demetrius Minor is a minister, author, and political commentator. He is a former radio talk show host and television personality. He is also a member of the Project 21 advisory board of black conservative leaders across the United States. He and his wife, Riesa, serve on the leadership staff at Tampa Life Church in Tampa, FL.