The Tragedy at Virginia Tech

By: American Decency Staff

How to make sense of it? As Christians, as always, we can and should turn to the Bible. As the reports of the killing of 33 unfolded before us during the week of April 16, so many thoughts, questions and prayers filled our hearts and minds. How to make sense of it? As Christians, as always, we can and should turn to the Bible. Catastrophes, mishaps, wars, rumors of war, man’s inhumanity to man have always been with humankind. There is nothing new under the sun as Solomon tells us in the book of Ecclesiastes. Such evil reports, though, shake us to the core. Well they should. Sometimes evil shatters our lives and/ or of those we love. Some will get angry with God and ask the question again “How can a loving God permit such wickedness?” Some will harden their hearts against the living God. It isn’t my purpose here to present a theological explanation to the purposes of our Holy God. But God is God and man is man. He is the Creator and we are the creation. Can the clay say to the potter “Do this or do that?” God’s ways are not our ways and our ways are not God’s ways. “His truth”, as the old hymn says, “is marching on”. One day He will come in great glory and majesty and close out human history. He once came as the Gentle Shepherd, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. But one day, and it may be soon, He will come as the Judge of all the world and all ages. He is, after all, King of Kings and Lord of Lords! As the reports of the tragedy on the campus in Blacksburg, VA came forth I found myself putting my life in the place of father/ grandfather as I heard about my loved one. I can’t imagine, but I can pray and weep with those who weep. I sorrow and grieve at the great loss of so many wonderful people – both young and old. And as I think of those who are deceased, I think of loved ones who continue to have life, breath, health, and futures, and I pray even more passionately that their hearts will be tenderized at the reality that there is great uncertainty in life – even on this day. That there is a beginning of life, but there is also an ending and sometimes that ending can be instant; that they need to settle the question regarding eternity. May it be that across this troubled land there will be many who will turn their eyes to Jesus for the gift of His great salvation at such a time as this. The Bible tells us that all things work together for good to them who love the Lord (Romans 8:28). May it be. ==================================== Let’s encourage one another and strengthen one another to be more like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 PH: 231-924-4050 www.americandecency.org

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