It’s unimaginable what the families at the Robb Elementary School are going through. As we weep, we can also pray for these families. We can pray that they will turn to Jesus for help during this incredible time of sorrow. We are so grateful for the words of the psalmist, ”The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Our world needs Jesus.
My oldest son called me with the news.
“18 elementary kids dead in Texas”
I had not heard. I was sitting with my second son who had just finished his sophomore year of high school.
My oldest continued.
“So sick. I’m sick. Elementary kids.”
I agree. My reaction resembles his – just sick.
Friends, we can discuss mental health, gun control, and Constitutional rights. In the right place and time, these are welcomed conversations. Yet, today, these conversations do not help fill the arms of families who lost innocent 7-9 year olds.
At the exact same time as the shooting in Texas, I stood in my own fourth grader’s school, hugged his classmates who called me coach, gave high-fives, and watched his friends do a walk-thru since it was their last day at this elementary school. I saw their faces, heard their laughs, and witnessed their tears as they said their goodbyes to each other, teachers, school staff, and administrators. I fought tears myself as I interacted in my own son’s school in my own community.
At. The. Exact. Same. Time.
My heart is broken.
The Real Problem
As I sit this evening and just reflect on today’s news, events, and these situations, I feel a bit numb. The answer fundamentally lies in the hearts of people. The reality today remains the same. Men, women, teenage boys, teenage girls, boys, and girls all need the gospel of Jesus Christ. That may sound too spiritual or simple to you; however, the answer is truly that straightforward.
Our world needs Jesus.
Only Jesus can change hearts bent toward evil, hatred, and totally committed to personal satisfaction. Only Jesus can take a heart that loves self and change it to a heart that loves God supremely and others sincerely. Friends, only Jesus can eradicate the old heart and make all things new (2 Cor 5:17). Only Jesus died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the one who died and was raised to life for us (2 Cor 5:15).
Laws, programs, background checks, and self esteem will never work. They may have some level of impact; however, these things are not the answer.
The Home Matters
What people need are homes built upon that same gospel.