The eyes of the Lord are in every place. Keeping watch on the evil and the good. - Proverbs 15:3 (NASB)
I don’t watch the news as such, but when I am flipping through my phone or working on my computer, I see the headlines. Sadly, I noticed that an issue that is getting increasingly worse is individual shootings and mass shootings. My heart goes out to the families of the victims as well as those who survive and have lasting injuries.
There is a conflict that occurs within me regarding the shooters and how justice is served, and what would their life be like if they knew the Lord. But then, I think of Cain and Abel (1 John 3:12) who were raised by the same parents, and one chose to kill his brother while the other had a right relationship with God.
These scriptures helped me to see that each individual is accountable to God:
Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. -Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NASB)
For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. – Hebrew 10:30-31 (NASB)
The conflict of justice verses salvation for the unlawful who harm others is a tough situation for those who have been affected by their actions. The Lord brought my thoughts to the thieves nailed on the cross beside Jesus, one chose to believe in Jesus, one did not, and the one that chose Jesus entered paradise that day, the other did not. Jesus allowed a last-minute decision to count for both thieves.
Justice and salvation are in the hands of the Lord. The decision to choose Christ is ours. Consequences come at some point, whether we see them on earth or not, like the warning in Matthew 10:28; Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
“For God will bring every deed into judgement” one way or the other, no matter how He chooses, whether it be mercy for the repentant heart or whether it be eternally separated from Him.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful You are the righteous judge and You know the end from the beginning, You have mercy and love for all, that is hard to understand. You see all and know the outcome of each soul. May we all open our ears to hear You calling us to You as a people, as a country, as a world in which You have created. May those who mourn turn to You and know Your comfort.
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.
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