The advice is as valid today as it was centuries ago when given through the wise words of the author of Proverbs. In the twenty-seventh chapter he wrote, “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Again that is great wisdom for anyone, including pastors themselves, who have likely preached at some point from this very verse or at least its concept. (Proverbs 27:1)
This was certainly the case in Lakeland, Florida this past weekend. On Sunday, September 18, at the Greater Faith Christian Center Church, the congregation had just bowed their heads in prayer. At that precise
moment, a former church member entered into the quiet sanctuary and opened fire. He shot and wounded the pastor and associate pastor from behind before finally being wrestled to the ground in a six-minute long
struggle.
Pastor William Boss and associate pastor Carl Stewart were shot from behind. Boss was shot in the head, and Stewart, shot three times in the back. Jeremiah Fogle was charged with first-degree murder, and three counts of attempted murder, after his 56-year-old wife Theresa Fogle was found slain inside their home not long after the church attack. They were married at Greater Faith back in 2002.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated, "He was prepared to shoot even more and we don't know exactly why he went into this mad rage." Judd also stated, "Of all the places you should be safe, you should be safe in a house of
worship - especially on a Sunday morning."
The practical and spiritual lessons learned from this latest of several terrible incidents in churches over the last few years are many. First and foremost, there is no really safe place physically speaking anywhere - not even within the sacred halls of God’s house on His special day. The only real peace and security that is guaranteed is the inner spiritual safety that can only originate through a true saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Psalmist had it exactly right when he wrote on the subject of ultimate security being only in God. In Psalm 33:16-19 he instructed, “No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.”
One of the other top lessons learned in the Lakeland, Florida incident is that sin is real and its results often ugly and highly destructive. Many times its target becomes Christian leaders. These are uniquely chosen by
God and therefore pose the greatest threat to Satan’s work as they endeavor to thwart his evil schemes. But the same threat holds generally true to any serious believer who takes his or her faith seriously and serves the Lord faithfully.
Again, the spiritual lessons abound when viewing the tragic episode in Florida. Another would be that Christians should be in serious prayer for their brothers and sisters in Christ there. (Romans 12:15) But the best overall advice was offered at the outset – that of expecting the unexpected and preparing accordingly in the light of 1 Peter 5:8-9. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.”
The reality is that Christians and non-believers equally live in an uncertain and sin-cursed world. Paul spoke concerning why this is so in Romans 5:12. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Thankfully the story does not end there. Shortly thereafter, he shares the encouragement of Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Sometimes sin seems to gain the temporary upper hand through some terrible event. Sometimes the pure volume and consistency of evil seems almost overwhelming. When that occurs, Christians must resist the
temptation to simply stick their heads in the sand from fear and despair. Instead, they must place their lives and trust fully in Christ’s loving and protective hands and allow their hearts to cling to His promises like the one found in Philippians 4:6-7. There we find a guarantee of His special peace and the assurance of victory - something that defies all human logic and comprehension.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Bill Breckenridge
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