Yesterday a gunman burst into a Pittsburgh synagogue and murdered 11 people whose only crime was being Jewish. This horrific crimes staggers the imagination, but, unfortunately, it is becoming almost commonplace. It seems almost everyday we hear news of a new bombing, another shooting, or some other tragedy.
Looking at the world around us, even the most hardened unbeliever must wonder if Peter was not correct when he declared, “The end of all things is near.” 1 Peter 4:7. As they see events unfold, “People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world…” Luke 21:26.
But as Christians we should not be surprised, because we have been warned in 2 Timothy 3:1, “There will be terrible times in the last days.” We knew this was coming and what is still to come.
So, what should be our response?
First, we must “be alert and of sober mind so that [we] may pray.” We need to “pray continually…” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Prayer is the lifeline of the soul, our one connection which will keep us from being overwhelmed as we face the storms of life.
Secondly, we must “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” What happened in Pittsburgh was a result of fear, fear of another culture and a perceived threat to a way of life, but “perfect love drives out fear…” 1 John 4:18.
When we let Christ fill our hearts with His love there is no room left for fear or hatred, for in Christ “there is no Gentile or Jew…but Christ is all, and is in all.” Colossians 3:11.
Lastly, we must take seriously Jesus’ first command after He rose from the grave to “Go and tell…” Matthew 28:10.
Go and tell He is risen!
Go and tell of His love!
Go and tell there is forgiveness!
Go and tell He’s coming soon!
There is but one real solution to tragedies like what happened in Pittsburgh and it’s not armed guards in the synagogues, stiffer death penalty laws, or any of the other inadequate solutions which have been offered. The only thing which will finally stop the madness is Christ’s return.
“The end of all things is near”! It’s time to pray without ceasing. It’s time to love without holding back. And, most of all, it’s time to Go and Tell!