SH ParentsStephen Prothro wrote for CNN about the Sandy Hook tragedy.  Of all I’ve read, his words troubled me most deeply.  His title was, “My Take: Six things I don’t want to hear after the Sandy Hook massacre.”  Here are his six things:

1. “It was God’s will.” 2. “Jesus called the children home.” 3. “After death there is the resurrection.” 4. “This was God’s judgment.” 5. “This happened because America is too secular.” 6. “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.”

He concluded his thoughts with this statement… “If you believe in a God who is all powerful and all good, then covering up for the Almighty at a time like this is in my view deeply unfaithful. Today is a day to shake your fist at heaven and demand answers, and then to shake it harder when no answers are forthcoming. To do anything else is in my view to diminish the idea of God, and to cheapen faith in the process.”

The first thought I had upon reading his last paragraph was, “Who are you, (Mr. Prothro), to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honored use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory…?” (Romans 9:20-23).

It is the height of arrogance for him (Or anyone) to question God… on anything!  I know those of Mr. Prothro’s kind will not like this, but God can do… cause… or allow whatever He desires because He is God (V 21).  Just because we do not see how something can be good doesn’t mean it isn’t good… ultimately… in some way… because as Christians we believe Romans 8:28.  We live in a world broken by sin and God is in complete control of everything according to His wisdom.

When Jesus was asked about tragedies, consider His reply (Which is politically incorrect to say the least).  This is found in Luke 13:1-5…

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 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? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

The murder of 27 people last week was a tragedy.  I won’t disrespect those who are mourning over the loss of their loved ones.  However, this post isn’t about that event, but Mr Prothro’s arrogance toward God.  What should be the ultimate consideration for everyone is the point Jesus made, we are all going to die so the real issue is are we ready to stand before God?

Mr. Prothro… unless you repent you will likewise perish.  Unless we all repent, we will all likewise perish.  As Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one goes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).