Terrorism and the Kingdom of God

This past Monday we were gripped again by the horrific violence of bombs exploding. This time at the Boston Marathon. Three innocent people were killed and almost 200 were severely wounded. Another evil act and another reminder (I don’t think it will be the last) of the evil in our sinful and broken world.

When heart-breaking catastrophes like this happen people are bound to ask, “Where was God in this? Why would God let something like this happen?” Here’s the answer to the first question: God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). And secondly, God allows things like this to happen because He has given free will to every one of us.

Since the time of our first parents, Adam and Eve, humanity has had the choice to live within the will of God or outside that holiness. For the most part it has chosen to reject God’s will. The result has been a broken world. Nature bears the marks of this brokenness too (Romans 8:20, 22). But it is humanity that suffers greatly—the morality, beliefs and behaviors are ungodly. This is why there is racism, extreme poverty, sexual violence, dishonest government, dirty politics, family breakdowns, cheating, stealing, killing and every evil thought and act that has led to heartache, sorrow, pain and tears.

But here is the good news! One day there will dawn on our planet a worldwide kingdom of righteousness and peace. A kingdom is coming with no more terrorist bombs maiming and killing people. Scripture says of that day, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:3, 4).”

You can be a part of this new world order. Jesus Christ announced “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel Mark 1:15).” If you have not yet received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savor now is the time. The Bible says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).” Let God deliver you “from the power of darkness and” convey you “into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Colossians 1:13).”

But I also have a word for those of us who are Christians—shine your light! It is not enough for us to sorrow over the course of this world and wait for Christ to return. We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Take action, get involved, share the good news, help people, love and serve them. We pray “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).” This is good and right. But let God’s will and love be seen in all that you do and say. Bring God’s light into this dark world. Make a difference where you are. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)” even as we pray maranatha—“O Lord, come! (1 Corinthians 16:22)