Tragedy and Sin

Dozens Killed in Newtown, CT School Shooting

I will never know the details of whom God chooses to show mercy towards, or how he sovereignly orchestrates all things in life.  However, days like today, I can think of one reason why tragedy can still be served and used to remind us of reality, and lead us to cling closer to hope in Christ. 

Are all sins equal?  Close look at scripture would suggest that this isnt the case... not all sins are created equal.  It is definately natural to look at tragedy like this and assign a severity... which in turn dictates the severity or depth of our response, our reaction.  That amongst so many "messed up things" in the world, this one is worse.  However, from the human perspective (vs Gods perspective) perhaps those details are less important than the fact that exposure to sin, in whatever varying degrees, should make us long for Jesus, and long for home.  That there must be more than this!  As we are lead to be more like Him through the Holy Spirit, and learn to hate and wrestle with sin, our hearts should break for the injustice of sin.  Against mankind sure, but ultimately against God, who created and formed all things.  Why then does it take the innocent murder of 20+ 5 year old kids to remind us that we are in deep need of a savior?

I have 2 kids whom I love dearly.  I would gladly give my life for them.  My first reaction was that I wanted to think of practical ways to protect them, to make sure they are never exposed to situations where something like this could happen to them.  And while protecting your kids from harm is a job of a parent and dad, I know as a separate point, that my kids under my own power, will never be protected from the prospects of sin.  Both in their own lives as well as manifested forms here in the world.  Then as a parent it is days like today that I long ever more, for my kids to deeply know Christ and have the sure assurance of hope, giving devotion and service towards a purpose and King that has defeated death and sin.  One who will one day erase the pain and build a glorious kingdom once and for all.  Not for our sakes but for the great fame of His name. 

Yes tragedy is very heartbreaking and unfortunate... especially when it deals with such young lives.  I cannot imagine as a parent, being one of those frantically wondering the fate of my child.  Or why someone would choose to violate those who are so unable to defend themselves, life cut far too short.  But tragedy causes us to pray, for love and forgiveness to win but also pray and long for our Christ all the more.  And remind us to live desperately and purposefully.  It is a wake up call for us who are prone to spiritually slumber... when in fact this heartbreak is all around us and sin is the reality of the day.