The unthinkable happened – again. Everyone has an opinion. So, here are a few of my random observations relative to the shooting spree in Colorado:
- The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. We are at war. There are real weapons. They are not assault rifles. Talking heads will busy themselves defending gun regulation or denying its need. Many will question God. Fewer will talk about our fallen world, and how the sinful human heart is a wrecking-ball. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9). Preventable, this tragedy? Not likely; but harping about gun control is a smoke screen. Raising a fist to God? That’s easy. The real problem will go almost completely ignored.
- They weren’t the only ones. The President adjusted his agenda for the day. Flags were flown at half-mast. Public officials made appearances to offer condolences. Did you know that roughly 5,000 other people died that same hour? By the time you read this on Sunday morning, in addition to the twelve who perished on Thursday night, nearly half a million more souls have joined them in eternity. Perhaps the flag should always fly at half- mast.
- There is hope in Christ alone. Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt. Lazarus was raised from the dead. They got a second chance. Later, they died. Others in Theater 9 were injured, but survived. You might say they were given a second chance. But the truth is, the unthinkable will happen to us all. Chances are, it won’t make the national news. Life is temporary, fleeting, precious. Only in Christ Jesus is there hope of escape. Only in Him is eternal life. “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matt. 13:43). Oh, what precious anticipation there is for the Christian! “Even so, come Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20)
-Rick Kelley, preaches for the Prestonsburg (KY) Church of Christ
