For years a group of my friends have joked that we were going to set up a commune and all live together in our own private community. We figured between all of us, we each had skills that could get us through life without relying on anyone else. As I read the tragic story of innocent children being shot, I wanted to set up my commune immediately. My daughter texted me and said “Mom, the commune is looking like a better idea everyday! Except isolation doesn’t bring people to Jesus.” Truer words couldn’t be spoken. Our job, as Christians, is not to necessarily be safe but to lead people to Christ. Why? Philippians 1:20-21 states: I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
I realize, when you hear something so senseless and tragic, it’s so hard to live out our mission in this depraved world. My first thought was “why kids?” – he deserved to die. My next thought was, “oh my, it’s too late for him”. He’ll never know the comfort that God can give. Whatever drove him over this psychological cliff could have been prevented if only someone had been able to reach him. Not knowing the story, it’s possible someone had tried but Satan had rooted himself so deep in this man’s heart that it was too late.
We will never understand fully why these things keep happening. I don’t think it’s possible. I do know that our precious Lord is there for us. He will uphold and sustain us in our darkest times. He is the light that shines brightly through the darkest of worlds and no matter what happens, He will deliver us.
At this time of year, let us remember that Jesus, born as a babe, totally innocent, suffered the biggest why of all times. Why did He have to die? Why did He have to suffer? For us – simply for us. Because of his death, we live.
“Dear Jesus, my heart is so heavy right now. I don’t understand why those poor innocent children had to die. However, I am so grateful to have you, the great comforter, to help us through these horrible, tragic times. Thank you, Lord, for coming as a baby and suffering a terrible injustice so that we have hope. We love you Lord. Amen”
Carol