Grieving Yet Thankful
We are all grieving over the loss
of life at First Baptist of Sutherland Springs Texas. Innocent blood has been shed. Plus another
murderer has fallen into eternal torment. I am writing these words the day
after this nightmare. Let’s continue to pray for Sutherland Springs and its
First Baptist family.
All day today I find myself
grieving and yet thankful. Let me share some of the reasons I am thankful.
1.
The Lord Jesus. We have a
Savior! We have a Savior who suffered. And we have a Savior who is Almighty
God. He is both. He has felt the pain of heartbreak and cruel death. At the
same time He knows the future as the timeless I Am. He has created a glorious
future as One who has conquered. As the prophet Isaiah recorded God’s
description about Jesus, He is the Prince of Peace and the Father. He is the
tender, understanding loving Counselor while at the same time, fierce Mighty
God. He is a Wonderful holy combination.
Jesus came because killers kill and liars lie. He came because sin destroys. And He entered that painful murderous destruction and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. He knows what it’s like to hurt. He is able to understand and heal. The One who is “acquainted with grief” is able to redeem.
2.
Jesus provided for the
believers in Sutherland Springs in ways we can barely begin to imagine. They
are with Jesus. They are breathing in Life. The pastor and his wife were out of
town that Sunday. Their 14 year old daughter, Annabelle, was at church. She was
one of the ones killed. I heard her mother Sherri say in an interview how
grateful she was that her Annabelle loved her church family so very much and
they her. The mother was thankful her daughter slipped into heaven with those
she so dearly loved. I am thankful for heaven.
3.
Sunday afternoon several
of our men met. They are used of God to provide protection for our church week
after week. These are servants who are willing to die if need be for our church
family. They are present each Sunday watching, walking, observing. They are
faithful, wise, and capable. They are always about improving their watch care.
I feel blessed and thankful to the Lord for them. Men who love Jesus are
powerful because of Christ. We are in good hands.
