Point Them to Jesus

It is an unfortunate yet telling sign of the state of our culture that random acts of deadly violence have become so commonplace. Due to the mass availability of media and the frequency of violent acts, most of us would admit that we have become somewhat accustomed to these disturbing reports. Just recently, two mass shootings occurred in our country which seemed to especially capture the attention of our nation and community. The level of violence (31 dead and many others wounded), stark coincidence (two separate shootings in different parts of the country on the same day, yet unrelated), and complete randomness of these events have certainly caught the attention of many. For those who watch the news, countless reports have been given and opinions have been shared regarding the violence and a proper course of action. For those on social media, there is endless conversation and strong viewpoints regarding the cause of such brutality. Even in our own community, many have engaged in dialogue with another regarding how such acts could occur and what must be done. As these conversations occur, what should be the response of the church? How can and should a follower of Jesus speak truth and hope into the most harrowing of circumstances? And are there some things that should be left unsaid?

While every act of violence is unique in its occurrence and the pain which it causes its victims, the Bible does provide principles to remember even in random acts of tragedy. These principles provide us with hope in the midst of despair (Romans 15:13) and they provide us with a reason to share with others the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15).

There is an instance in particular in which Jesus is confronted with a random act of violence. In Luke 13:1-5, a question is brought to Jesus regarding several seemingly innocent victims in regard to two separate tragedies. In one case, several Jewish worshippers were killed at the cruel hands of Pontius Pilate (an all too common occurrence under Roman rule). In another case of tragedy, a construction accident occurred in which eighteen people were killed. As is still often the case, these tragedies caused the people to wonder how and why God could possibly allow such events to occur. Jesus’ answer provides at least three principles that will also guide us in such times.

1) Tragedy is under God’s control.

Though these events seem random, they are not beyond the notice of God. While they point to a culture spinning out of control, God is still very much in control. As we can find in Jesus’ reply, God is in no means to blame for this evil. Instead, as Scripture explains, evil and tragedy are the results of living in a fallen and broken world under the curse of sin. This theological truth should not cause us to be callous in our response to such events any more than Jesus was. Just like Jesus, we should “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). And while there is certainly a place for working to prevent such tragedies by standing against the tide of evil, we must also understand that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and the seemingly random, yet insidious evil all around us will not be fully eradicated until Christ returns in His glory.

2) Causes for tragedy cannot (always) be clarified.

Amazingly, and much to the disappointment of his listeners, Jesus attaches no specific reason as to why these tragedies occurred. Everyone typically wants to know the answer to “why” such tragedies occur. Who is to blame? What can we do to prevent it from happening again? Seemingly, if we can come to answer these questions, we will bring order to the chaos they create. Yet, easy solutions are not usually available for complex questions. It would be wise to remember this in an era in which everyone is considered an expert in the realm of social media. While placing blame upon anyone but the perpetrators of crime may give the façade of control, it often creates greater divide and confusion.

Jesus’ response to these questions regarding tragedy seems to suggest that rather than asking “why”, we should ask “what”? What is God teaching me? What does God require of me in response? For what should I be praying? Toward what should I be working to provide an environment of hope, justice, and peace? In what ways do I need to trust and obey God in the midst of this tragedy? In what ways should I point people to the gospel?

3) Tragedy serves to push us toward Christ.

Jesus, rather than pushing an agenda to blame for the tragedy, or even lamenting over why the tragedy occurred, instead points to how tragedy should bring us closer to God. These tragedies in our nation are horrible events. People suffering from these events deserve our compassion. Perpetrators of these crimes deserve justice. However, the most dangerous and destructive thing to our souls is not suffering, pain, or tragedy. It is sin. Suffering does not separate you from God. Pain does not banish you to hopelessness. Tragedy will not condemn you to hell. But sin will. So, to remove from our lives that one thing which will ravish our souls, God not only uses tragedy, but He allowed and orchestrated the greatest tragedy of all time in the cross of Christ (Acts 2:23-24). God placed His Son upon the cross that sin might be banished from our souls.

In the wake of these most recent national tragedies, and the others that we will inevitably face in this life, how can we lean upon Christ? How can we point others to our only hope—the gospel of Jesus Christ?

The following poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, titled Gethsemane, serves as a fitting reminder to us all in times of tragedy, both national and personal.

Down shadowy lanes, across strange streams

bridged over by our broken dreams;

Behind the misty caps of years,

beyond the great salt fount of tears, the garden lies.

Strive as you may, you cannot miss it in your way.

All paths that have been or shall be,

pass somewhere through Gethsemane.

All those who journey, soon or late, must pass within the garden’s gate;

Must kneel alone in darkness there,

and battle with some fierce despair.

God pity those who cannot say, “Not mine but thine,” who only pray,

“Let this cup pass,” and cannot see the purpose in Gethsemane.

Praying and Pointing to Jesus,

Jason