No one could feel anything other than profound sorrow at this time when a lone gunman has murdered at least 26 people, 20 of them children.
We will never know what was in his mind as he pulled the trigger time and time again.
The human suffering caused by this violent act will never be fully appreciated.
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Sin is the biggest enemy of our world. But there is an answer.
It's not easy to understand because it doesn't fit with our human way of dealing with things. But then our human way of dealing with things hasn't got us very far, so maybe we ought to look at what God says.
God says that sin separates us from him and that we can't deal with it on our own. The people of Israel were always turning their back on God and trying to find their own solutions to problems they faced. It was always God who provided the solution- plagues to persuade Pharoah to release the people from captivity, water in the desert, pillars of fire for guidance etc.
God also said that he would save the people from their sin by providing a child. The words of prophets gave clues about what the people of Israel should expect long before Jesus, who many accepted as the Messiah, was born.
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
Isaiah Chapter 9
We wouldn't look to a child to save the world from sin, but then "the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."
At a time of sorrow upon sorrow, humanity needs an answer to sin. How I long for the peace, justice and righteousness announced by Isaiah.
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