Sent on June 15, 2016
Greetings all,
On Sunday morning we awoke to the news of the tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida. Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to the many victims and their families and friends.
As we find out more about the situation, there will be many different theories surrounding why such an event took place.
As Christians we believe that the major force behind such a terrible event is the character the Bible calls Satan, or at least one of his cohorts.
This is not to suggest that the shooter didn’t have a choice in it. He did have a choice but decided to yield to the devil’s influence.
When we stand before God, we will give an account of how we lived our lives, and “the devil made me do it” will not be a credible excuse for the wrongs we have done.
Having said that, Satan takes every opportunity to wreak havoc in the world. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
Knowing the influence that Satan has could cause us to be in a state of fear if we don’t realize that Jesus has made a way for us to overcome the enemy of our souls.
The Bible says that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. Jesus describes the works of the devil in John 10:10. He said “the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy.” Therefore, when we see killing in the fashion of what happened in Orlando we know that it is the work of the devil.
The good news is we have a remedy for this evil influence. In Revelation 12:11 we find how the Saints got the victory over Satan: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) and by the word of their testimony.”
You see, we have overcoming power in Jesus. Jesus has overcome sin in the world, and though we have to live with sin and its devastating consequences for now, a day is coming when there will be no more death, pain, or tears.
Despite the current times of pain and suffering, we can rest in our assurance and declare to the world what Christ has done.
Jesus said: “In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Through the trials, we can extend an arm of comfort to those suffering with the knowledge of the hope He has given us.
Love to all,
PB