This past week our
nation was stunned to hear that teachers and young students were murdered while
they were at a school in Connecticut. The horror was unimaginable to see on the news and
at times it was overwhelmingly sad to watch the facts unfold from all the true
accounts. But when the names and ages of the slain children began to be broadcast, I completely
lost it. So young; too young, too soon these babies…and their teachers are
gone. This is one of those times when a cry is raised to put an end to….something.
Let’s end bullying, or improve school security. Let’s assemble a panel
on mass violence or blame the parents or blame violent video games or ban guns,
etc. There may be great validity in applying some focus on new safety measures and towards the prevention of these violent acts. However, there is more at the root of the
problem than what is being addressed.
The ultimate
problem can be summed up in one word: sin. Sin entered the world and the earth groans
under the weight of it. Sin begets all kinds of selfish actions. And the only solution to the problem of sin is salvation through the blood of
Jesus Christ. The fact that we don’t want to acknowledge is that if it weren’t
for the life transforming power of Grace, there would be far more atrocities
committed at the hands of immensely flawed humans who are bent on destruction. I
have personally witnessed the power of God in young people who would be considered a lost cause by
many. These were students whom by their own admission and in their sins had a fierce
desire to hurt others. Some were even planning their own form of revenge. But,
because of Salvation, they are changed and now share their own stories of
regeneration.
I do not have
all the answers or even condolences for this tragedy but I do know that the Father
of all creation watched His own child be mocked, beaten, and murdered. And the
Bible tells us Jesus has firsthand knowledge of our sorrow and grief (Isaiah 53:4).
Jesus died a criminal’s death to save sinners. We will never be able to entirely avoid affliction on this side of eternity and the redeemed soul knows that if
God does not choose to rescue them from disaster in this life, then He will
rescue them in death. “Trust in the Lord…with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5)…even
when it is in confused and broken pieces. He is the only salve for our wounded hearts
and sin wrecked souls. Tell others about Jesus. Obey His word and follow His
example… even when it hurts or it is hard …and watch Him restore what was shattered by sin.
“…the punishment that brought us peace
was on Him, and by His wounds we
are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is
the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow
tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to
the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and
weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will
renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not
grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah
40:28-31
….Lord Jesus, we need
You..
