A Response to The Mass Shooting in Las Vegas - October 1, 2017, 10:08pm. Join the River Church as we gather for a prayer vigil, this Friday, October 5, 5:00-6:00 pm, at our Beach Service Location When I watched several of the many live video clips being posted of the mass shooting that took place in Las Vegas on Oct 1, 2017, the first thing I felt was outrage. How could a human being made in the image of God become such a contorted, deformed beast-like human with no apparent resemblance of God in him at all? Many have commented, "this man did not have God in his life." He perverted God's plan for a perfect world for God's creation. God created us to co-exist and enjoy Him forever. And second, I am immediately saddened for so many innocent people that lost their lives, those that were wounded, their families, and the children who will have to live on for generations with such a tragedy and loss. What a waste of God's plan for his beautiful creation. Yet, we can rise up and do something about this. Here are four thoughts and a final challenge. 1. God does not cause evil. He knew it was going to happen because he is omniscient.
Ps. 139:4 says, "Even before there is a word on my tongue,Behold, O LORD, You know it all. . ."
But he does not cause evil. Humans have a free will and choose evil and good. Humans cause much of the suffering we endure. We choose to go our own way and resist God who has our best in mind. Unfortunately, many don't believe that. Genesis 3:6 says, "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."
We all have been given the same choice. Living in a fallen world causes some suffering. A tree falls because it was pushed over by heavy winds. Sometimes hurricanes become extreme because of climate change and other times it is just a result of natural causes. Both are a reality in our world. The bottom line is when we don't take care of our earth and we don't take care of our souls, we become something other than what God had in mind for us--far from image bearers of God. Yet we can do something about it. 2. What do we do? We pray for the victims of this senseless tragedy. We pray for their families. We pray for the churches around the country to open up their arms to bring comfort and be a safe place to gather to process grief and loss. Talk to people. God is a loving and gracious God who opens his arms to all. He is not the origin of evil nor desires it to exist. So we pray and we reach out not with judgment or hatred but with kindness and a listening ear. 3. How can I make a difference? Voice your opinion. If you feel semi- automatic weapons should not be in the hands of civilians, then say something. If you feel strongly about gun rights but also firm gun restrictions, then figure out what you believe and voice it. Write a letter. 4. Finally, be humble and kind. Be mindful of other people's loss, grief, and sadness. Enter in and help someone. I Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." Be kind by allowing your heart to break as theirs breaks. Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed." I am calling our church together on Friday, at 5:00-6:00PM at our Beach Service location. We will come together and pray for our country and for those who have lost loved ones in this tragic event. Bring a beach chair and a Bible. We will read Scripture and Pray. See you there. Todd Wendorff and the River Staff Team
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