Pastor's Ponderings, March 19, 2018

Let God Guide Us In Our Schools

In the Washington Post on March 12, 2018, Philip Rucker wrote that some of our political leaders are suggesting that we arm teachers to prevent mass school shootings. David Moye wrote an article on March 16, 2018, in the Huffington Post, entitled, “Ohio Legislator Says Students Should Be Able To Bring Guns To School.” The article states that the legislator “...told the Dayton Daily News that teens who meet the legal requirement of gun ownership should have the option of bringing rifles to class.” On Wednesday, March 14, 2018, students all over the country marched out of their classrooms asking, “Am I next?” for seventeen minutes in commemoration of the 17 people killed at a high school in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, 2018.

In the 2005 movie, Lord of War, Nicholas Cage asks, “There are over 550 million firearms in worldwide circulation. That's one firearm for every twelve people on the planet. The only question is: How do we arm the other 11?”  It is as if gasoline is being poured on a fire to see what is going to happen next. There are people who feel quite justified in having guns everywhere.  Their security lies in their ability to return fire when they perceive they are under attack.

All throughout the Bible, God declares that He will fight for His children.  When the Egyptians were chasing the children of Israel and when Judah’s King Jehoshaphat faced a great army, God committed Himself to their protection (Exodus 14:14, 2 Chronicles 20:15).  God has promised that He will go before us in trouble and He will protect us from behind (Isaiah 52:12).

Going to school is hard enough without having to worry about being attacked.  Those of us who love the Lord have to remember God’s promises and call upon Him for His leading and guidance.  He may tell us to appeal to Congress, run for Congress, start a recall election for some unresponsive politicians, or march in the streets.  God may also have us slip to our knees and petition Him for His wisdom and favor so that we can have permanent protections for our schools.  God will answer our prayers for our schools.

Exodus 14:14
New International Version (NIV)

14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

2 Chronicles 20:15
New International Version (NIV)

15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Isaiah 52:12
New Living Translation

12 You will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. For the LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.