A Moment With Pastor Fred

Once again our hearts break with another school shooting this past week. The media continues to blame many things and yet ignores the main problem that we know it to be – depravity. 

Some senators want to call this act of violence a hate crime, and it should be. If it had been carried out against a mosque there wouldn’t be any hesitancy. The perpetrator had been a student at this Christian school. The church that runs the school is part of the same denomination as University Reformed here in East Lansing. I read also one of the girls murdered was the pastor’s own 9 year old daughter, Hallie. I can’t imagine the deep grief this congregation is feeling this morning—6 dead. And yet there is hope because of Christ and especially with the promise of resurrection. 

Last month our leadership met for a retreat to focus on finishing our current strategic plan and looking at the future. We were asked our input on SWOT – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. When it came to threats it was mentioned government oppression and persecution. The Apostle Peter reminds us not to be surprised at suffering for Christ. Our stand with the gospel and all it represents will invite opposition. It’s getting uglier – and yes, violent. Enslaved and blind people reject the freedom and spiritual sight found in Christ. We must not hate those – but love them through Christ. No one is inviting persecution. I don’t want it. But we need to be prepared for it, trusting in our faithful Father. 

Pray with me this morning for our brothers and sisters at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville. Pray for comfort and peace – and pray that the gospel will be magnified to all by their response to this dark providence.