Today's readings are 2 Chronicles 35.1-7 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=2+Chron.+35.1-7 ), 2 Chronicles 35.16-25 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=2+Chron.+35.16-25 ), Colossians 3.1-25 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Col.+3.1-25 ), and Zephaniah 1.1-3.20 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Zeph.+1.1-3.20 ).
Some weeks ago our community was struck by the death of a Presbyterian pastor who was shot and killed while at a community shooting range. The attacker, apparently motivated by theft of the pastor's weapons, emerged from surrounding woods while the pastor was changing his target, shot him, and fled the scene. While obviously this pastor's family and friends, his large church congregation, and the community as a whole were shaken, the statements of the associate pastor at the funeral were out of line. According to the associate pastor, God could not have had any hand in the event. We cannot understand how God would have allowed this to happen. Therefore it was a travesty and leads us to doubt God's goodness and sovereign power. This from a Presbyterian, a denomination which historically has said that whatever happens is not only allowed by God but caused by the specific will of God.
Josiah, the good king, the boy who ended up ruling Judah and bringing their worship in line with biblical commands, still a young man, went out to battle. The opposing forces from Egypt were led by a king who claimed to be waging a campaign in God's will and at his direction. Josiah apparently doubted this. As we read today, we see that Josiah lost his life in the battle. Was this living proof that the Egyptians were acting within the will of God? Was it living proof that Josiah was trying to thwart God's will and in doing so brought his own death? The fact is, we don't know. We know that Zephaniah, writing in the time of Josiah, proclaims God's judgment on the people of Judah. We know that Josiah had a history of dedication to and faith in God as revealed in Scripture. But did we number Josiah's days? According to Psalm 139 we did not number Josiah's days, nor any other person's days. It does not belong to us to make such assessments. God has numbered each of our days. Every one of those days is precious in the sight of our Lord, the day of our birth and the day of our death alike.
Maybe we should wonder not why someone lives or dies, but we should wonder how that person in his life or death shows our Lord and Savior, who lived and died for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment