Posted by
Cyber Pastor on Saturday, April 21, 2007 4:45:39 PM
I was privileged to hear H.B. London during a Ministerial Convention a few weeks back. A VP with Focus on the Family, Dr. London is called the Pastor's Pastor.
WHY?
by Dr. H. B. London Jr.
I have listened to the "talking heads" make comments regarding the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech. They have laid blame on an ineffective response during the two hours following the first shooting. They have pointed to the liberal Virginia gun laws. They have referenced violent computer games that are readily available to the masses. Some have even suggested that uncontrolled immigration policies might be the cause of so much violence. What was Mr. Cho Seung-Hui's home life like? Did he have any friends? Why didn't the university pick up on his strange life over his years at Virginia Tech? So many questions are being asked and not many answers are forthcoming.
I have heard it conjectured that the shootings were the result of societal ills. Perhaps, but you can't place the cause of this horrific event on society. The truth is it was the result of a very disturbed, lonely and unconnected individual who, for some reason, found satisfaction and relief in doing what he did.
Why does God allow such things, you may be asked. As Dr. Dobson points out, "Why — will have to remain unanswered for the time being. We have been given too few facts to explain all the heartache in an imperfect world" (Why God Why. Tyndale House Publishers, 1993).
Do we believe God is obligated to explain Himself to us? Trying to analyze His omnipotence is like attempting to teach advanced physics to a three-year-old. Dr. Dobson adds, "Unless the Lord chooses to explain Himself to us, which He does not often do, His motivation and purposes are beyond the reach of mortal man."
Why? Our role as clergy is not to construct answers to a complex question. Our role is to comfort people, to point them to life not death, to remind them of the brevity and uncertainty of life and to live each day with purpose and thanksgiving — to prepare them for eternity. That said, my heart breaks for those involved in this human sacrifice. The parents — I can only imagine how they feel. The classmates — They will never be the same. Many have been killed. Our society has been wounded.
In a few days, your colleagues will be asked to stand before broken-hearted friends and family. They will not have answers, but they will offer hope. They will celebrate life, as we all should. Please pray for them and those they will serve.
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deut. 31:8).
Be blessed and be a blessing. —HBL
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