Let's be more matter of fact about it. One of the things that this young man is quoted as saying is "blacks were taking over the world". You and I and any normal thinking American know that his statement is not true. So, it's a lie. Jesus said that Satan was the father of lies, John 8:44. This young man listened to that lie long enough until hatred built up in him, just like the devil wanted it to. That hatred made him pick out pieces of the news that fueled that hatred. Satan fanned the flames by interjecting thoughts into his already tormented mind. Day by day, the devil pushed him toward the edge until he finally gave in to hate.
Jesus gave in to love for all of mankind which includes this young man. Paul experienced the life changing power of the love of God when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul hated Jesus and he hated everyone that called on the name of Jesus.
Paul swallowed the devil's lie, too. He became angry because Jesus challenged the normal thinking of the Jewish leaders. The devil had him convinced that Jesus and his followers were wrong. He felt so strong about it that he put them in prison and had some of them killed. He wrecked homes by taking away the bread-winner or the mother or wife. He didn't care. He HAD to stamp out this Jesus thing.
But, when he finally met Jesus and made Jesus the Lord of his life, he experienced real soul-shaking forgiveness for the first time. How could Jesus ever think about forgiving such a hard-hearted man like Paul? The same way that the victim's relatives faced that young killer today and told him that they forgave him. It was the agape love of a God who is love, 1 John 4:8.
Just like the last blog I wrote, 2 Corinthians 4:4, (KJV) "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them". Paul wrote that to the Corinthians. He could say that with all fervor because his mind was blinded by the god of this world until Jesus came to him.
But, two of his kinsmen were praying for him according to his letter to the Romans in chapter 16, verse 7. They didn't give up on him like others might. They wrestled with the demon forces that had blinded Paul's mind until Jesus pushed them away and made His appearance to Paul.
Could this massacre have been avoided? Could all killings be avoided? Could ISIS have been stopped from their very beginning? The answer is a resounding "Yes". 2 Chronicles 7:14 promises that God will heal our land if we would humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. Did you catch that? God would heal our land if we would seek Him?
What are you seeking today? Are you seeking for revenge against the blacks or the whites or the illegal aliens? Are you seeking for more dirt against that crooked politician so you can spout some hate stuff on Facebook? Are you seeking to stir up strife?
I'm looking for people of every color, every nationality, every denomination, every political background and every social standard.I'm looking for people who could care less about what each other looks like or used to be in the past. I want to lock arms in prayer with people who sincerely want peace in our time. And that only real peace is in Jesus Christ.
Through Jesus I can be at peace no matter what the threat is, or how much money I don't have, or how bad I feel at the moment. Because I know that Jesus is in control of it all. More than that I know that Jesus wants to change the things in this world that are not like Him.
So, let's pray: Father, we give you praise that You are Lord of all. And it's our desire to serve You with all of our hearts. On the authority of Your Word we bind the power of the god of this world that has blinded the hearts of people to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Father, we desire that the light of the gospel that is within us would shine brighter and brighter each and every day so that the people that are in darkness would be able to see the love of God within us. Help us to be your hands and feet and may our lives portray the real love of Jesus Christ. We pray for divine appointments in our lives every day that we might change the course of the next killer or thief or rapist or child molester. Help us to draw closer to You that we would be filled with Your Agape Love. Give us wisdom and understanding in how to guide our lives in a manner that will bring the lost to You and glorify Your name. Keep us safe. Help us to be ever vigilant against evil. Stir our hearts and bring Your body together in the Mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment