Red Printed Words

With great sorrow our nation reads the news headlines of another shooting. A single gunman targets and kills people, asking the question, “Are you a Christian?”

For us, it seems inconceivable, unfathomable; but for those who live in countries where anti-Christian sentiment runs rampant, it is just an ordinary day. As I heard the words of witnesses from the small Community College about the gunman, I thought of those put to the test – young, free, college-aged, living life, doing their thing…

Those red printed words in the New Testament, put to the test – “Are you a Christian?” – moment.

It is a question to consider today. Are you ready to meet Jesus?

I heard a devotion recently in which such a question was presented. The pastor indicated he was ready, and then he reflected on his life. On a basic level – yes – he was ready. Was he ready however to answer for his life? Was he ready to explain what he had and hadn’t done? Was he ready to respond to the good and bad of his life?

In the investigation of the shooting, there was an online message communication between possibly two people encouraging the behavior which was to come – even people giving advice as to how to carry out a massacre. Whether the people responding to this individual really believed him or were simply making a game of it, is uncertain. He concludes with “watch the headlines.”

Today, be in prayer for the families of those lost and the injured from this unthinkable tragedy. Also, consider who you are in Christ. Are you ready to meet Jesus? What will your conversation be like with Him when you do?