Making Sense of Life

A half an hour into the screening of the latest Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises”, a 24 year old man dressed in black opened fire inside the theater in Colorado. How do we make sense of world where innocent people are killed? How do we deal with the questions that arise after the story is released that at least 12 people were killed and 58 injured? The truth is we can’t make sense of it. But as Christians we believe that there is One who understands, who weeps at suffering, who cares about the widow, the orphans, the oppressed, and those who suffer. His name is Jesus, once mocked, scorned, beaten, and ultimately crucified on a cross, He is the One who understands. He is the One who can make sense of the suffering of the world because He came as the Suffering Servant. He wept at Lazarus tomb, He was angry at injustice, and He reminds us today that He understands because He too has suffered. 

Terror

We are now living in a described time in history known as the “war on terror”. Scripture tells us that the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour. He is intent on terrorizing and empowering fear to be our new currency. Jesus understood that too. He was terrorized, beaten, forsaken, and killed. He understands terror.  As he hung on the cross as Perfect Love, He became an agent of terror to the powers of darkness. His love for mankind became the new currency for His followers and as believers in His name we carry the light of His love. Though we cannot make sense of the tragedies of this world, we must live in this world and carry our love torch brightly to bring hope to the hopeless. James gives us a great perspective on how we are to live in a world fraught with trials and tribulation: Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

Be  a Light

Dear friends, we cannot make sense of the tragedy of yesterday’s shooting, but we can be a people intimately connected to the Vine, Jesus, offering hope. We can learn through our own trials how to be more like Jesus learning perseverance and becoming mature. We can be the city on the hill prepared by our own trials to help others through their trials. We can be the people of God, though battle worn,who are ready to help others win their battles. We can do this because Jesus has gone before us and has given us the Victory. Beloved, we know this is not our home, but as long as we are still breathing our address is EARTH. On this side of heaven, let our cry be for heaven to come to earth as we come to the aid of the hurt and broken. Only the hope of Christ will enable these broken souls to find peace amidst so many unanswered questions. 

I would love for any of you who have testimonies of faith amidst your trials to post comments. This is a great way to offer the hope that Christ brings.