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CAPA Corner: Words of Encouragement From the Central Area Pastor’s Association

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    Since last Friday, the headlines have been dominated by the horrific news coming out of Newtown, Connecticut.   During this Christmas season, when we should be focusing on “Peace on earth, goodwill towards men”, our hearts are moved by this senseless action and the tremendous loss of innocent lives.  
    In trying to gain perspective and arrive at some answers to this tragedy, I can’t help but reflect back to the time period of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  In the gospel of Matthew, chapter 2, verses 16-18, we find a similar situation unfolding. 
    “16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent forth, and put to death all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 18 A voice was heard in Rama, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
    The presence of evil has been with us for a long time and ultimately is the cause of such a tragedy!  As we study scripture, every time a deliverer is about to arrive on the scene, the master of evil, contrives a plan to try to destroy that deliverer or that generation.  We see this portrayed in the stories of Joseph, Moses, and our Lord Jesus Christ!  Is it possible that there is a spiritual destiny on the lives of our younger generation?  As I watch all that is going on in our nation and world, I can’t help but believe there is such a destiny on the lives of the younger generations. The positive aspects of each one of the stories mentioned, is that the deliverance came and there was victory over evil!  Whenever evil over plays it’s hand, the grace of God abounds!
    Jeremiah 29:11-14 reads, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me, and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me, and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, says the Lord.”  As we turn our hearts to God, there is hope!
    Not only is there hope by turning our hearts to God, there is hope as we turn our hearts to each other.  Malachi speaks to a time, that in order to avoid a curse upon the earth, the hearts of the fathers would turned back to their children and the hearts of the children would turn back to their fathers,!  One thing a tragedy like this does, is that is causes us not to take for granted those who are a part of our lives every day! As we gather with family, to celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let our hearts be turned towards God and towards each other. In doing so, we can have, “Peace on Earth and goodwill towards men.”  May the “Peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus” this Christmas Season!
Ron Erickson
Future Hope Ministries
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