Thoughts on a Boston Tragedy and An Audience with God

Our nation was rocked by the horrors of terrorism this past Monday.  Two IEDs were detonated near the finish line at the Boston Marathon resulting in the deaths of three people and the wounding of over 150, several of them critically.  As of today, the perpetrators of this vicious attack have not been found nor has a motive been established as to why the Marathon was targeted.  If there is a silver lining, it is in that at least two other IEDs did not detonate and the timing was not at the height of the finish of the race where the casualties might have been greater. 

The FBI investigation is ongoing and those responsible will be caught and brought to justice.  But one wonders what will be the consequences of this act?  Someone jokingly said, "Well, I guess pressure-cookers will now be outlawed, or at least you will have to undergo a background check in order to obtain one."  With the 9-11 terror act, flying was forever changed.  Gone were the days of free-access to airports and to greeting arriving friends at their gate.  With the shoe-bomber, shoes were now to be removed and sent through the scanners.  Then all liquids were banned, then only 3 ounces or less, in a quart bag, can be carried onto the plane.  All bags are checked as you enter a sporting arena, perhaps now that screening will include shopping centers as well.  In the name of safety, we have certainly seen our lives changed dramatically.

Of course the question is asked, "Is this the beginning of the prophesied destruction of America that the radical Islamists have proclaimed for the past decade?"  First, at this writing, we do not know if radical Islamists were behind the Marathon explosions there in Boston.  Second, at the present there is no chain of events that would link several events together.  But, that being said, there is a seriousness with which we need to take those radical Islamist threats.  Ours is a big nation and our borders are rather porous - just ask any illegal immigrant about that fact.  It would be rather easy for radicals to infiltrate and create catastrophic events and as quickly leave.  No matter the safe-guards we might put into place, it is impossible to protect every event, every building, every person 24/7.  But, I can take great hope that God is still in control, and whatever happens, God already knew about it and permitted it to happen.  We may not understand His purposes here, but we have confidence that His purpose is being accomplished. 

This year, as part of my morning devotions, I have been reading through some selections from the writings of C.S. Lewis, one of my spiritual heroes.  This portion is from the book he wrote after the death of his wife, Joy Gresham.  The book is titled, "A Grief Observed."  It is one of those short works - less than 100 pages - that packs so much encouragement, especially as one goes through trying times.  Let me share a portion with you that was a blessing to me. 
  "For all sorts of mistakes are possible when you are dealing with Him [meaning God].  Long ago, before we were married, H. [this is how Lewis usually referred to his wife - her name was Helen Joy] was haunted all one morning as she went about her work with the obscure sense of God (so to speak) 'at her elbow,' demanding her attention.  And of course, not being a perfected saint, she had the feeling that it would be a question, as it usually is, of some unrepented sin or tedious duty.  At last she gave in - I know how one puts it off - and faced Him.  But the message was 'I want to give you something' and instantly she entered into joy."

As I read that portion I thought of how that is usually how I feel when God gets my attention.  I am like the little boy being summoned into the Principal's Office - certainly not with great feelings of joy and excitement.  Why is it that we often associate an audience with God as being one of the worst things imaginable?  God is our Father.  I believe He has only the best interests of His children at heart.  And, a father's role is not just to discipline his children, but to reward them and to bless them.  Isn't that what God delights in doing?  "I want to give you something."  Oh how like God is that statement.  I was blessed by that thought this morning.  May it bless you today.  May you receive something special from God today.  You know He loves you so greatly.