This last week our hearts were broken by the news of a senseless tragedy. As we search for answers, I remind us that there are some events in life that can’t be explained. We may never know all that led this young man to commit such a horrible act. We certainly do not understand. Knowing all the details of this tragedy will NOT bring healing from the pain. It is a dangerous thing to fill our minds with these details. Instead, I’d suggest that we fill our minds with Scripture (especially the Psalms) that will allow our God to be our strength, comfort, and healing. There is no sense in trying to understand a senseless act. Let’s honor the lives lost, the families mourning, and trust our God even when we don’t understand.

As we mourn these lives, let’s remember that another mad-man did the same thing when our Savior was born:

“Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.” (Matthew 2:16)

And there were also mothers back then who were mourning:

“A voice was heard in Ramah,

Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,

Rachel weeping for her children,

Refusing to be comforted,

Because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:18)

It is the Child that was spared from the wrath of Herod (the same Child that God did not spare from the cross) that brings comfort and strength to the “Rachels” of today!

As we often sing, “Because HE lives I can face tomorrow!”

Let’s pray for those who mourn and trust in the love of the “Child of Bethlehem!” To God Be the Glory!

Dr. Fred W. Karthaus III