Guest Opinion: Connecticut Tradegy

The events in Connecticut were simply tragic.  I have not had time to sit down and write out my thoughts about the events, but I received the following email from Ken Yoder a dear man at Valley Baptist Church.  The following is an email that he sent to his children after hearing the news.  He has given me permission to share it here:

 

This morning Mom and I were in the "Man Cave" going about our usual routine, Mom painting, I was building a new jig for my saw. We have a habit of listening to Rush on the radio. Rush was interrupted by the news of the incomprehensible tragedy that took place in Connecticut, it certainly affected us greatly.  I could not help but realize that "But by the grace of GOD there go us." How is this kind of evil even possible?  Obviously there are no answers to rationally explain how an individual could do something like this.  But I would like to share some thoughts on this event.

 

There are  two things that come to my mind when I hear of such a despicable thing as this happening. 

 

1.     One of the first things that I know from Scripture is something that Jesus told us in John 10:10 that explains the two forces in this world.  Let me quote that here: "The thief [referring Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  You see, depending who an individual desires to follow, that loyalty will determine how their life's actions will take them.  Satan does desire to steal, kill, and destroy any good, and unfortunately there are people who allow that evil to take hold of their lives.  Does it seem like there is more and more of this happening?  Yes, and the reason is that Satan and his demons are winning the battle in the United States.  Without God, the nation will perish; and we are seeing the results of this every day.  Another thing that Jesus said is in John 3:19-20: "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.  Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed." 

 

2.     The second thing that I also know from Scripture with regard to the taking of these innocent lives is that little children are precious to Jesus.  Matthew 19:14 says, "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’"  Scripture also tells us in 2 Samuel 12 that when David's baby was sick, he prayed for the baby to live, but when the baby died, he said in verse 23 that while he can't bring the baby back to life on this earth, he would go to him . . . meaning that the Lord receives those who are too young to make an informed decision.  What a joy that our loving Lord takes these children to be with Him forever.

 

What can we do?  We can pray for those families that lost their child; God can and does work, and He is God.  Pray for their comfort, and also that many will come to Him during this time of great sadness.

Trusting and Honoring GOD!!! (Numbers 20:12 NIV)

Your earthly farther;

Dad