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.
