One Sunday in a small town church families are worshiping God together with children playing and dancing happily. The next Sunday a madman shoots half those people, killing 26.
That was the scene at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas two days ago. November 5, 2017 marks the deadliest church shooting in US history.
If we’re not safe in a church service where are we safe? In today’s world where can we be protected from mass murderers and terrorists? Doesn’t the Bible promise us that the Lord protects those who take refuge under his wings? (Psalm 91:4) Where was God?
- A neighbor chased the crazed killer away and he died.
- Law enforcement officers restored order.
- Emergency workers treated the wounded.
- Pastors from other churches came to comfort the grieving.
- Survivors wept, prayed, and huddled together. And offered forgiveness.
- Next Sunday Christians will return to a house of worship to give praise to God.
- Millions of Christians around the world have been praying about all this.
Those are some great ways God was present in this horrific tragedy.
God also acted in many other glorious but unseen ways.
The stories are starting to be told. God works good into the lives of everyone who loves and trusts him (Romans 8:28). He also ministers to people continually through angels. Most importantly, he raises the dead and, if they want to serve Christ in heaven, they are welcomed into the most beautiful and wonderful eternal life, far beyond what any of us can hope for.
So the Lord Jesus urged us: “Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.” (Matthew 10:28, MSG)
So this world actually is a safe place for us to be — as long as we’re living with Christ in the Kingdom of the Heavens.
Our brief life on earth is our opportunity to train with Jesus Christ and learn how to live from the resources of the heavens — now and forever!
The Master teaches us lessons like these: how to be at peace in crisis, take courage in danger, grieve with hope, give and receive comfort, offer compassion and grace lavishly, forgive freely, and love our enemies.
That’s the character of Christ. That’s what the first Christians were like in suffering and injustice and because of their example one at a time millions of people became disciples of Christ.
May God help us to love others for Christ like they did.
If ever we needed TLC from God it’s now!
In Soul Shepherding’s TLC Retreats we help you grow in the grace of Christ and shine his light in your world. We invite you to check out our upcoming TLC program in the sunshine of Southern California!
Listen to: Don’t Just “Grin and Bear it”
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“Thank you for blessing me with your messages.”
Church elder
