The Sure Savior for Troubled Times

Sin spoils everything.  So we live in a fallen world where creation is groaning and we see it in natural disasters.  We live in a fallen world where people are not flawless and make mistakes, so there are (apparently) accidental fires and explosions in fertilizer plants.  We live in a fallen world where evil people intentionally do evil things like plant and detonate bombs at marathons.  That means we need Jesus who came to redeem his people and this world from sin and its tragic consequences.  Our hope is in Christ alone whether mourning our own sin or sin's ugly effects in the world around us.  Is he your hope?  Do you have a Rock on which to stand when the ground all around you is giving way and the accuser comes after you?  Here are some scriptures that come to mind in light of recent events.  May the sword of the Spirit do its work in our hearts pointing us to our Savior and bringing us to the end of ourselves.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies...What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?...For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:20-23,31-32; 38-39

Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. - Luke 13:4-5

Let us pray for those affected in recent tragedies (here are some helpful thoughts on how to do that from Pastor Andy Lutz); let's mourn and repent of our sin; let's eagerly look forward to the 2nd coming of Jesus.  It won't always be this way.  Come, Lord Jesus!