Sunday Security
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. 32:10
When we think about what it must be like to worship Christ in a Muslim or communist country, we’re thankful for our safety and ability to worship freely here.
But, have we taken our safety for granted? I admit that church security is something about which I roll my eyes (at least internally). I think, “We surely don’t need to worry about it in our church.”
Then, last Sunday (11/05/17), Sutherland Springs, Texas (typical small town, USA) happened. 26 people killed and many wounded as they worshiped in a Sunday service. We may never truly know why. We do know he had an automatic rifle. We know that it is because of a good man at the church, with a gun, that there were “only” 26 dead (including a baby in the womb).
We also know that God is sovereign. He was not surprised by this attack. He was awaiting His people who left this life that day to be with Him. He was aware of those who have rejected Him, who would also die that day, and be eternally damned to Hell.
Christianity is not safe. It was not “safe” for Jesus Himself. It was not safe for Paul, or Peter, or Stephen, or John Hus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Hus), or any of the martyrs who have died for the name of Jesus Christ.
Why do we (I) presume it would be safe now?
Watching the reports of this tragic event in Texas brought to mind the conversation in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” where the Beavers are asked if the lion, Aslan, is tame. They respond, “Is he tame? Why no, he’s not a tame lion, but he is good.”
As we consider the goodness of God, His sovereignty, and His faithfulness, we cannot forget that, like Aslan, though He is not tame, He is good. As followers of Christ, it is necessary to know that He will work things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose.
It takes faith to trust Him for this promise, to believe that such a tragedy could bring any good at all. Though I do not understand why a man would shoot up a whole church, I do know that God does not reward the wicked. He stands by His children and comforts them, keeps them, and even takes vengeance for them when necessary. (I qualify that with “when necessary” because every time man thinks vengeance is in order, does not mean that God agrees and carries it out. He decides when it is in order.)
So, knowing that God is sovereign and man is unpredictable, even wicked, I will no longer roll my eyes about making the local assemblies of Jesus Christ “safer” places to worship.
But … I will also pray for the faith of the people of God to trust Him, no matter what happens in our churches, or anywhere else He might choose to test our faith.
The only true security we have is in Christ. He is not just Sunday security; He will never leave us nor forsake us.
I have thought about that type of attack for some time. We worship in a large congregation with many doors open. I would go so far as to say on occasion I have been fearful. But then I remind myself that God forbid the unthinkable happens He is still in control and I am where I am supposed to be. I am praying for those left behind in that small community as they deal with their grief because those who died that day are already experiencing no more sorrow.
I agree Toni, Though I cannot say I have felt the fear that you have, I do know that a solid faith in the sovereignty of God increases our ability to worship in spirit and truth – no matter what else is happening. He is good even when we doubt or question it.
I, too, pray that the people of Sutherland Springs will know His mercy and grace.