The heart of every compassionate American is touched by the horrific slaughter in Florida. A heavily-armed Muslim fanatic (and supporter of Isis) went into a nightclub in Orlando early Sunday morning, murdering 50 homosexuals and lesbians and wounding 53 others. No doubt, Omar Mateen imagined that death would usher him into a sensual paradise, an endless orgy with 72 perpetual virgins. The true God, the God of the Bible, promises a different fate: “As for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).
I’m grieved for the shocked and hurting families who have lost children, grandchildren, or siblings. Some of the victims’ relatives didn’t even know that their loved ones frequented Pulse and other such places. My prayer is that “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” will mend all these broken hearts, and that everyone surviving this tragedy will turn to him for solace.
I also pray that the Orlando shooting will make people think about the brevity of life. A common coping strategy is to distance oneself from painful possibilities. A friend is diagnosed with lung cancer. I comfort myself with the knowledge that I don’t smoke. I’m safe from cancer. An obese coworker suffers a heart attack and dies. But I don’t overeat. I’m safe from heart disease. Or a Muslim fanatic shoots more than 100 people in a nightclub. I’m a disciple of Jesus. I don’t party with alcohol. I don’t engage in destructive sexual behavior. I’m safe.
The reality is that “it is appointed for men to die” (Heb. 9:27). Muslim fanatics do hate homosexuals, but they hate Christians too. Omar Mateen would have been just as happy to shoot up a faithful congregation of the Lord’s church. Detaching myself from the pain and loss of “sinners” diminishes my sympathy and gives me a false sense of security. In this uncertain world my only security is Jesus Christ. If I don’t love and follow him, all is lost—even if I live and die in peace.