[340 words]
Certainly you have heard about the shooting that took place this past week at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. Nine people were killed. Several more were injured.
There are conflicting reports about this, but some outlets are reporting that the shooter asked his victims if they were religious or not (if they were Christians) before he shot them.
Regardless of what he really asked the innocent people he shot (and what his motivation might have been), such causes us to pause and think.
Let us first pray for these families. Let us pray for the devastated hearts—those that are experiencing a deep dark and profound grief. Let us pray for those who are recovering from wounds sustained from the incident. Let us pray for a town that is terrified, confused, and angry.
Let us also pray that none of us or any of our loved ones ever comes face-to-face with such a nightmare.
But most of all, let us pray for more hearts and lives to turn to Jesus. Let us pray for more who will stand with Jesus. The only way to overcome and avoid such tragedies is for there to be more and more men and women who have given themselves heart, soul, mind and strength to Jesus Christ—the one who offers rest and peace (Matt. 11:28-29).
For ourselves, let us be determined to stand for what is right all the time and under all circumstances.
While we will most likely (Lord willing) never stand in front of a person with a gun coldly asking us about our religious affiliation, we will be challenged to take stands and to identify with Jesus in numerous other less volatile ways.
We are to “shine as lights in the world” (Phil.2:15).
We are to let our “light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
We always are to be found standing with Jesus (Matt. 10:32-33).
Bart Warren
S. Green St. church of Christ
Glasgow, KY