OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD

The tragic event of January 8 in Tucson, Arizona reminds us that we live in a dangerous world, and that horrific events can unfold before us in the blinking of an eye. Innocent people were injured or killed by an unthinkable act of evil. Hundreds of family members, friends, as well as an entire nation has been shaken again by an act of man’s inhumanity to man.

How shall we as the church of Jesus respond to such pain? My concern is that followers of Jesus everywhere will stand as a symbol of hope in the midst of uncertainty, love in the midst of hate, peace in the midst of accusations and criticisms, forgiveness in the midst of anger, balance in the midst of extremes, and a beacon of truth in the midst of half-truths, rumors, innuendo, and sound-bytes.

Once again we see that our world is, indeed, a dangerous world, a world that needs God and his grace. It is a time for those who know how to pray to come before the Father’s throne and to plead for grace and mercy. Pray for those who grieve, for those who are recovering from physical wounds, and pray for the perpetrator of the tragedy.

As Gandhi suggested, in a different time and place, it is time to be the change we want to see in the world. May God draw near and make us all more sensitive and loving toward each other in a world where anger and hostility and insensitivity so freely find a place to express themselves.

For those who follow Jesus, let us be the Church in this time of finding a way to go on as a people. As the Good Book says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). The fact is Jesus is still Lord, God is still Love, and “the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Ephesians 1:19) is still in place, and operating at full capacity.

In the midst of bad new there is Good News. Our lives and times are not forgotten or overlooked by God. The words of Mr. Wesley still ring loud and clear concerning Jesus,

He left His Father’s throne above,

so free, so infinite His grace!

Emptied Himself of all but love,

and bled for Adam’s helpless race.”

Having just come through Advent it is fresh on our minds that in Jesus God is with us. We do not face our days alone and even in the midst of horrific tragedies, God is here in grace and mercy and love. Life may not make sense to many people today, and there are questions that have come crashing in on us. Yet, we are not abandoned. God has not turned His back and walked away. Rather, He is up-close-and-personal in everyone who calls Jesus “Savior and Lord.”

Let the church be the church, Ambassadors of Christ, a fragrant aroma in a world gone wrong. Let the church be the church, engaged in the human situation, living grace filled lives, making God look good because He is good, He is present, and He does care. As Eddie Carswell’s and Babbie Mason’s song says,When you don't understand

When you don't see His plan

When you can't trace His hand

Trust His heart.

You can, you know; trust His heart.

God bless you and may the peace of Christ be with you.