No, Not Again!

Those words raced through my mind yesterday when I heard the initial report of the Virgina Tech campus shootings. Why? How could someone do such a thing? Why would God allow it?

Indeed these are difficult questions to answer. In fact, since the shooter took his own life, we may never fully know his motive. But here are some thoughts for your consideration. For starters, the shooter responsible for this evil act did not act on orders from God. His evil actions flowed out of his evil heart. Regrettably, many innocent bystanders were either killed or wounded in the process. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the victims and their families - as well as the entire Virgina Tech community.

As to the question, "Why did God allow it?" we must remember that this world is NOT the world God made for us to experience. When God placed humanity on this earth it was to rule this world for him as we lived in relationship with him. However, our first parents made a terrible decision. Instead of doing things God's way, they thumbed their noses at God and made the decision to go their own way and do their own thing. And every single one of us born into this world have followed in their footsteps. Isaiah the prophet put it this way, "ALL we like sheep have gone astray; EACH ONE of us have turned to his OWN way" (Isaiah 53:6). So bottom line, the mess this world is in - is our fault, not God's! God is simply allowing us the freedom to go our own way. Unfortunately, yesterday's massacre is sometimes the result.

Will you please join me in praying for the families of the victim (and the family of the shooter), the VTech community (including the president and administration) and the law enforcement personnel involved. Also take a moment to lift up our nation to God. The only way out of these ongoing outbreaks of violence is the One who is THE WAY - Jesus Christ. Pray that many will turn to him as a result of this tragedy.

Thanks for listening,

pj