Terror
After some work at home, I headed to Denver for some meetings near the Capitol. I then went to visit my mom. I’m glad I am able to ambulate more effectively than one year ago.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then another horse came out, a red one. Its rider was given power to take away peace from the earth and to make people kill each other, and he was given a big sword.” Revelation 6:4 NCV
As I heard the news of the today, another mass shooting in southern California, I couldn’t help but think of this verse from Revelation. In recent weeks we have seen the terrorists attacks in France, a shooting in Colorado Springs and then in a matter of days an horrific shooting in southern California. This is all in addition to what seem to be daily episodes in the large cities of our nation.
We are living in a day of fear and uncertainty. It seems to be a day when “peace is being taken from the earth.” It is difficult for us to know where are in the precise timeline in relation to the events of Revelation. It is easy to read our own perspective into what we read. The “rider on the red horse” has typically be viewed as nation against nation more than people against people.
But as we see in our current day, that is not required for there to be a lack of peace in people’s lives and on the earth. The sources of unrest are many, from conflicts in the inner city to the threats of crime and terrorism. We see gun sales on the rise as gun control is touted as the answer to the evil in hearts and the distortions of the mind.
I recall having a difficult time believing the Columbine tragedy could be more than an isolated and one time type of event. But it seems that event opened a floor gate of violence that has taken place in an escalated manner with in recent years. This is in addition to growing concerns over worldwide terrorist attacks.
Jesus talked about nation against nation and earthquakes and famine and said, “All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matt. 24:8 NIV) Perhaps that is what we are experiencing at this time. But the events of our day should arrest our attention to what the Lord wants us to know and affirm in our lives.
I believe we need to remind ourselves that God is in control. He is not confused and from God’s perspective the world is not outside of His control. In the most challenging of times, we like Isaiah can see the Lord,
“….. sitting on a very high throne…Heavenly creatures of fire stood above him…Each creature was calling to the others: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His glory fills the whole earth.” (Isa. 6:2,3 NCV)
We need to remind ourselves that the Lord is our source of peace. Jesus reminded His disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
We need to live our lives ready for whatever may happen. It is true, we don’t know what “tomorrow may bring.” Jesus told us, “don’t be anxious about tomorrow…” (Matt. 6:34)
I am thankful that when the world seems to be out of control, we can focus on the One who knows the beginning from the end. When peace is taken from the world, we can know the peace that surpasses all understanding.