I wanted to take this opportunity to take a few minutes to reflect on the recent tragedy that took place in Orlando. I am reminded of this story from the Gospel of Luke. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, knowing that he would be killed there. “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.’” Jesus wept because he knew the evil and brutality that was about to happen there. He wept for those who would witness this as well as those who would be affected by it. He even wept for those who participated in it.
God’s plan had been perfect … we would have all lived in peace and harmony, but sin entered the world and it is now a broken place. We have been given freedom of choice, and because we are broken, humans are capable of horrific acts of evil. This bre
aks God’s heart. I guarantee that as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, last weekend He wept over Orlando.
It is human nature to grasp at reasons, to place blame on someone or something, to pick sides and go on the attack. The issue is not gun control or lack thereof. The issue is not whether there is a Republican or a Democrat in the White House. The issue is not one of faith or ideology or sexuality. The issue is the lack of respect for the preciousness of human life. As Christians, we need to heed the words in our own Bible – “Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.” We need to be the voice quietly speaking out for respect for life, for love of neighbors and for peace on earth. Where do we begin? It begins here, in your heart, and will spread one heart at a time. I read this at church this morning, followed immediately by the hymn, “Let There Be Peace on Earth”. Amen!
PastorKevinAustin 