First Responders

It is human nature, I suppose, to become reflective in moments of trial and tragedy. The brevity of life becomes far too real. As James says in James 4:13-15,

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'"

The unjust nature of an imperfectly sinful world sprints to the forefront of our thought as innocent people are injured and young children are ripped from this life and on to the next leaving friends, family, and strangers to grieve the loss. So many times the question surrounding such a vile and evil act quickly turns to the church and those who know the Creator, "Where is your God, now? How can a God who claims to be so loving allow something so cruel, evil, and unjust like this occur."

It is the EMTs, the Firemen, and the Police that are often first to respond, and well they should be. But the church, the true church (that's you and me), should be among the first responders as well. It is an encouragement to me to see the response of so many who band together and show a pure side of humanity

I Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;"

The hope that we have is of great value and it should be made known. We do not have to defend our God! In fact, there really is nothing to defend. "If God were a just God, or a loving God..." The fact is, God IS a loving and just God. It is his justice that prevents him from stepping in and making all things perfect (that time will come). He has promised that all men would be free to choose whom they will be subject to. He created a free-will trust relationship, not mindless robots that blindly do what is right. He wants his people to look at the choices in front of them and choose Him. Evil exists. There is simply no way around it. It hurts, and it isn't fair. But it is always there. And until the day comes when all creation will be restored to the One who made it all, the pain and grief will persist. The pain can drive you closer to God or farther away, it is a choice we must make. Will we be reminded of a time that is yet to come where there will be no night, mourning, tears, pain or death? Or will we choose to selfishly dwell in the here and now allowing the pain to push away from God's presence?

I know where God was. He was here. He knows the pain and heartache of loss, the loneliness of abandonment, the grief of being hated by the world around him, and the physical pain of abuse. He also knows the pain of being separated from the Father. I know where God was; he WAS on a cross. More importantly, though, I know where God is. He is preparing a place for his children. He is preparing a feast like none this world will ever see. He is looking over his creation and longing for them to come to him. He is awaiting the time when he can call us all home to him in glory; into a perfect creation that will never tarnish. And he is walking among us now, waging war on evil and fighting for each and every one of his creations. He is on his throne. As evil as this world can seem at times, I know the truth. God Reigns Victorious. He has defeated death. There is no victory that he has not claimed. The pain and agony we experience in this world should be a reminder to us that we are not home, yet, and there is so much hope and anticipation for those who have entered in to his grace.

I pray that the hope and love of the church will overflow into the streets of Boston today. I pray that an equal amount will flow into your own communities, neighborhoods, and workplaces as well. May the voice of the church, the people of God, ring louder than the voices of evil in this world. May the message of hope be delivered to those who are seeking it. May we live lives filled with a hope that calls people to our God