Tragedy and Hope

As a resident of Colorado it seems that we have had our share of tragedy this summer.  The ‘Waldo’ fire destroyed 346 houses and cast a pall of ash and fear over the city. Then there was the movie theatre massacre in Aurora on the edge of Denver.  The cause of the Waldo Canyon fire is still being investigating but pure evil inspired the attack at the theatre that took 12 lives and sent scores to hospitals. I will not try to resolve the God versus evil difficulty. I will refer you to people like Randy Alcorn (“If God is good”), who have written excellent tomes on the subject.  (Or Augustine’s: ‘On the Nature of Good’ if you prefer a classic - written in 404AD!) But don’t overlook God’s greatest act against evil - the cross of Jesus Christ and I will state simply, ‘God is good, all the time.’ Beyond that I’d like to ask a question: 

When was the last time that our firefighters and policemen were honored like this?

I saw people holding signs that said, 'Thank you police force'. One sign suggested they deserved a raise! I seem to remember my generation calling them 'pigs' once upon a time! I saw signs in restaurants offering firemen discounts. One sign gushed, 'We love you, firefighters!' A local TV station called them 'signs of appreciation'. When was the last time we so passionately appreciated these men and women who place their lives on the line each day? Perhaps not since the aftermath of 9-11. Courage often shines most brightly against a backdrop of evil, personal tragedy, or loss. So let us be grateful and courageous with each opportunity God gives us to shine. Let us honor our heroes shamelessly! And remember - Augustine suggested that evil is the absence of good - so come Lord Jesus, our greatest good & blessed hope!