Tears In Colorado

A troubled young man walked into a church and shot two teenage girls. News agencies have been covering the story. They are also asking a lot of questions surrounding the security plans for larger churches. I have been thinking long and hard about how to keep our people safe while they are at worship. It is a weird thing to have to think about. Church is supposed to be a sanctuary. A place of peace and worship and love. And yet, someone walked in with a gun and ended lives right there. In the middle of the church is a cross. It is the symbol of our faith. On that cross the most vicious act of violence took place. There was never a more innocent victim than Jesus. The Romans had perfected the execution process to maximize pain when they came up with scourging followed by crucifixion. As Jesus was dying he used one of his last breaths to ask God to forgive those who were doing the killing. His death seemed so senseless, so cruel, and yet it has become the event that gives our lives meaning. Christians follow this Savior. The One who loved his enemies, prayed for His killers, and freely laid his life down. Early Christians were rounded up and fed to lions. They went without a fight. They went loving their enemies and praying for the ones who were throwing them into the arena. One centurion was quoted as saying,"Behold, these Christians die well". He meant it as a compliment. Followers of Jesus have always been easy prey for violence. This shooting in Colorado has reminded me of what it means to follow Jesus. It also reminds me that the security of a follower of Christ, the real security can't possibly be beefed up. We will love our enemies, pray for those who do violence to us, we will die well and keep our eyes on our Savior who did the same for us.