Our hearts are broken by the horrific murderers at Emmanuel church in Charleston. It is unfathomable that the horrid deed was done in prayer service by a man who sat in the service for an hour and enjoyed the hospitality of the group before turning on them. The young man’s acts are certainly inexcusable, hate-filled and pure evil.
But my focus in this article is how I am seeing the grace of God released in others surrounding this tragedy. To begin, consider the testimony of the woman who helped to catch the young man. http://www.today.com/news/debbie-dills-florist-who-helped-police-find-charleston-shooting-suspect-t27281. She could not have made it more clear in her interview that she considers the whole circumstances surrounding her noticing the car and helping the police locate him to be a direct answer to the prayers of people in Charleston. She testified that God was using her to accomplish what needed to be done.
I notice also the Christ-like desire of victims’ families to forgive even through their tears. http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/19/us/charleston-church-shooting-main/. Only those seeking to follow Jesus and drawing strength from his Spirit would even attempt this. And, speaking as a pastor, I know they will need continuing help from God’s Spirit to keep that intent through the days to come as forgiveness is usually a journey rather than a one-time thing.
Next consider how this incident is calling people across our country to prayer. Immediately in Charleston people were praying. Now even in Washington people are praying. Oh that we did not need tragedy to call us to prayer! But thanks be to God that when there is tragedy we do turn to Him who can truly help us. http://blogs.rollcall.com/hill-blotter/staff-lawmakers-gather-to-pray-for-charleston/?dcz=. Our church joined in prayer for the situation in our morning service. Perhaps God’s Spirit is using this tragedy to call us again as a nation back to God.
In addition, tonight (6/21/15) there is a great unity march in Charleston. Jesus prayed that God’s people would be united (John 17:21). At this time we are being drawn closer to one another by calamity.
Our United Methodist Church posted a thoughtful response remembering the name of the church. http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/god-is-with-us-a-response-to-south-carolina-church-shooting. The church at which the shooting occurred is called Emmanuel – which means, “God with us.” I believe that God is definitely showing his presence if we will only look and respond!