Headline News: A Reminder of Grace

I'm not a fan of watching the news or reading the paper.  It always bums me out or makes me fearful of the world at large. Yet, when a tragedy strikes {and they seem to be striking more often lately}, the newsmakers grab my attention.  

The public often has a singular response when something horrific happens: "How could someone do such a thing?"  When I hear this question, in the grocery store, the halls at my kids' school, even in the church foyer, I think of Solomon's lament in Ecclesiastes, "There is nothing new under the sun."

The evil of this world has existed since Adam and Eve, yet it still takes us by surprise.  Upon hearing of tragedy, we say things like "What would make someone do something so horrible?"  Asking such questions creates a detachment in my heart that says I have nothing in common with the drug dealer, suicide bomber, or child molester.  

The Word of God tells us that ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Sin is the great equalizer. 

Even the most vile acts of sin, at their root, have the same cause as the ones that don't make the front page news.  We are all looking for ways to fill the longings in our hearts that can only be filled by God.  And, while a heinous act is rightly viewed with disgust and anger, we must not forget that each of us is capable of sin.  

In the book of Nehemiah, the prophet receives word that his hometown has been destroyed and left vulnerable to attack.  Nehemiah could have said, "Told ya so," to his people.  He even could have wagged his finger in disgust, saying "Look what happens when you disobey God!"  Instead, he cried out to God on behalf of his people, including a confession of his own sin:

"Let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father's house have sinned."

The text reveals that Nehemiah fasted and prayed, weeping and mourning for days over the state of his people. In reality, Nehemiah was some 800 miles away from his hometown. He was physically removed from the situation. But, emotionally and spiritually, his heart ached for his people, for them to be saved and reconciled to God. He knew that he needed to confess sin just as much as his people did.  

Walking in His Grace day by day provides a constant reminder of our need for a Savior. Sin no longer takes us by surprise. Rather, it's presence serves as a catalyst to draw near to Him in confession and repentance.  

Maybe I should read the paper more often, if anything, to remind myself of my own need for Grace. 

About Keri

Most days Keri can be found cruising in her Swagger Wagon, reading a good book, or laughing with friends over large cups of coffee.  She finds great fulfillment in serving those who might not walk through the doors of a church, but still desperately need the Hope that only God can give.  She also enjoys learning about God through unorthodox means, and occasionally blogs about it at Pop Parables.  She also gets in touch with her creative side at BringingCraftyBack. Keri lives in the Greater Seattle area with her husband, their three boys, and 2 weiner pups.

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