Under the Shadow of the Almighty

It seems every week we read another headline about another terrorist attack.  This week's occurred in Turkey, a country we visited last month and one I am still writing about today.  Istanbul, where the latest attack took place, is about 300 miles from where we were in Ephesus.

It would be very easy for us to say, "I'm not going to travel.  I won't fly internationally.  It's just not safe."  Just a little over a year ago, Les crashed on his bike.  When people questioned me about him continuing to ride I had an answer they weren't expecting.  "I guess we need to quit going to church, too, because it's not safe."  It just so happened that Les' crash took place the same week as the mass shooting at the church in Charleston, S.C.  I wasn't trying to make light of that attack, but we aren't going to find safety in this troubled world.  When we make the decision to climb out of bed in the morning, we've made the decision to face an unsafe world.

We can live our lives in fear, pulling bubble wrap around us, or we can live under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91 says,

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Matthew Henry's commentary says, "He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find all in him that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so. The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid. Whatever is done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we have no reason to fear. God's people shall see, not only God's promises fulfilled, but his threatenings. Then let sinners come unto the Lord upon his mercy-seat, through the Redeemer's name; and encourage others to trust in him also."

Without a doubt we live in perilous times, but don't let fear of what might happen rob you of today's peace.  Read that Psalm again, let it get in your heart and mind.  And remember, "I can see to the corner, but God sees around the corner... don't worry." - Mom's Bible

The Answer

A tragic event occurred at today's Boston Marathon.  Two bombs exploded as runners were crossing the finish line, hitting runners and spectators.  Two were killed.  Hospitals reported at least 110 people being treated, at least eight of them in critical condition and 14 in serious condition. At least eight of the patients are children.  Federal authorities are classifying the bombings as a terrorist attack, but it's not clear whether the origin was domestic or foreign, a federal law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation said.  (source)

This makes me heartsick.  My thoughts and prayers are with those in Boston.  I've read a number of running blogs sharing the same sentiment.  I've crossed the finish line of two marathons - both times I was wearing the hugest smile and the feeling of accomplishment was amazing.  I cannot imagine the terror that was felt.  There are many questions - who? why?  One blogger asked, "How do I explain this to my kids?"

As I was thinking about this, the answer came.  It was one I thought after the Sandy Hook Elementary School killings in December. It is a one word answer:

SIN

The very first human being who was born became a murderer.  God created Adam and Eve, but after the Fall, Cain was born.  He killed Able, his only brother.  Genesis chapter four records the second murder, just a few generations removed from Cain, Lamech also killed a man.  And the stage was set.  Read your Bible - the sixth chapter of Genesis tells us "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."  Chapter 13 says, "the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly."

SIN. It tears families apart.  It causes young men to murder their brothers.  It brings destruction.  It causes nation to rise against nation.  We live in a sinful world.  It's not going to get better.  I know each time these things happened we are shocked, but we shouldn't be.  Jesus said in John 3:19: "men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."  But that same chapter gives us hope!  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

So the next time you read of a tragic event (and there will be a next time) remember the reason is sin, but the remedy is Jesus.