Despair and the Virginia Tech Massacre

I'll admit up front, I have no earth shaking, insightful commentary on the massacre that took place yesterday on the campus of Virginia Tech. How can my small words provide any consolation or comfort to those who lost loved ones? How can the life of Liviu Lebrescu be replaced? This is a man who previously survived the Holocaust now giving his life so others may live. (Read here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,266506,00.html)

All I am left thinking is that our world has so much despair that human tragedies like this will inevitably make the headlines and prompt us to ask 'why?' Now, I can say it's Satan making another statement, attempting to hang on as God prepares for a world without evil. But I don't think it's that. I think it is people giving up. It is people having no hope. It is people simply coming to the conclusion that life is meaningless. Without a hope for the future, what is the point? With no hope, with only despair, why would life be valued? If we're just a cosmic, evolutionary accident, we're also simply food for worms. We live, we die, we fertilize.

If you happen upon this post, and if you are despairing, there is hope. There is hope in the salvation offered us all through Jesus Christ. If you are at a place of despair, please let someone know. There is hope.

Maundy Thursday

(I can't believe it's been 3 months since I wrote - a testament to my chaotic schedule...)

The trend in Christianity is to grow churches through "seeker friendly" services. Casual dress, popular music, and feel-good messages prevail with the goal it seems to grow congregations. Sadly, while this does grow the congregation, it doesn't necessarily bring people into a proper relationship with Christ.

I mention this because I like many Christians need to be convicted more for my sins, and for my true nature. And nothing does this better for me than attending service on Maundy Thursday. Sitting in service two days ago was a heart-wrenching experience. Hearing again how we all betrayed Jesus, from Peter to Judas, brought tears to my eyes. Knowing I am responsible for his suffering and crucifixion humbles and hurts me. Knowing that Jesus hung on a cross above his mother and friends ... how do you deal with that?

You deal with that by knowing Jesus willfully chose this path, knowing full well he would be beaten, tortured and crucified so that we would not have to be. Jesus did this for me. Jesus did it for you.

And Easter is tomorrow. My redeemer lives...