Hello again? Dealing with tragedy.

Tonight we are gathered in our homes, perhaps in front of the TV, computer or even at places of worship. We find ourselves once again at a seemingly familiar place, and so we pray and ask Almighty God for his guidance in thought, words, and actions. This day has been for all of us a day that will be added to the “where were you when you heard the news” list of tragic disasters.  Life of late has been filled with such moments. I still remember where I was on September 11, 2001 (9-11). I recall how I felt watching World Trade Center Tower # 2 collapse on live television: “sheer horror and disbelief”.  I remember thinking “this can’t be happening”.  When the news of the Tsunami hit in Indonesia a few years later, I felt as if there was no where to hide from the path of destruction when Mother Nature is enraged. I also recall watching the devastation and wrath of Hurricane Katrina on the city and surrounding territories of New Orleans, LA. I watched in utter “numbness” as people lost every material possession they owned. In each case there was tremendous loss of life and an even more tremendous outpouring of love and brotherhood from around the world. More recently I was pained to hear of the destruction of the Northeast states during the Superstorm named Sandy.

 

Tonight we are all touched by the tragedy in the state Connecticut. You may live several states away or even on the other side of the globe, but still, each of us is or will be affected by these senseless killings. People we have not met yet will one day cross our paths and they will have a story to tell about a loved one, family, or friend that was impacted. You may even presently have co-workers, relatives, or friends with close ties to the school or victims. Each of us has something in common: we breathe the same air, cry tears of salty water, and awake each morning by the grace of God. And for us tonight it is the fact that we live on planet earth. 

 

In these sad and emotional times you may wonder what if any lessons can be learned from these events. What strategy can be drawn up … what massive plan of action can be developed to save us from these and other tragic events … how can we be truly safe in our own surroundings?  Where can we go to really be safe? At the present there are no doubt many seeking to answer these and other questions hoping to alleviate the pain and suffering today and in the future.  Well, I’ll leave that up to them. 

 

As Christians, what is it that we can say or do to help in this time of human tragedy?  Where can we point our fellow man and mourning neighbor? What special words do we have to assist in easing some despondent soul?  Brothers and sisters, all we have is the word of God and our trust in God and belief in His Son Jesus Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. We do not have all the answers, nor can we ever find the right words to express to others to comfort them. But as Peter the Apostle told the lame man at the gate “but such as I have I give to thee” (Acts 3:6).

 

The word of God teaches us that God is a loving God. It teaches that He is a forgiving God. It teaches that life as long as we would like to make it is short and can be cut down at any moment. It teaches that vengeance is His and He will repay. It teaches us that throughout our tragedies, trials, and tribulations that He is there, even when we can’t feel His presence and influence.  It teaches us that it doesn’t matter where you are but what matters most is where you are. When you consider the biblical character Job, you remember that Job was in the right place doing the right thing; praying to the right God and still his life was sifted like wheat.  It didn’t matter that he was wealthy or that his family was up-standing in the community. It didn’t matter that he was God fearing and pushed away evil. Tragic events struck his life with such force, such power and such unrelenting dominance that it caused him if only for a moment to wish he had never been born.  The only thing that kept Job from losing all hope and control of his life was where he was! He was in God’s hands!  To us today that equates to being in God’s hands through his Son Jesus our savior. The where today is “in Christ”! 

 

Realize (especially the young people) that these students, these children were in the right place i.e. they were in school, in class, preparing for class, studying, etc. This is the way it was. They like Job were doing what they were supposed to be doing. Many are quick to say “they were in the wrong place at the wrong time”.  While I understand the sentiment, I say again, they (students, children) were doing the right things.  This teaches us again that no one knows what awaits us around the corner and it behooves each of us to “make our calling and election sure”. Everyday is a new day given by God to maintain our relationship with Him through Jesus our Lord. The Christian is wise in that he worships God daily through prayer, study, meditation, Christian deeds, etc. Christian or not, each of us should realize that at any moment the curtain could close on this life for ever.

 

Each of us who read these words must come to grips with what the biblical writer James writes concerning our lives … “life is but a vapor”.  Young people, take your salvation seriously. Adults and senior adults, live in such a way that your life can be a witness to the goodness of God and that all who encounter you may know of the hope that lies within you. Take nothing for granted. Tell your family you love them. Be faithful to each other and to the church. Honor God. Love truth. Pray for each other. #PrayforNewtown.

Peace, "TheClueFromLeu"