I awoke Monday morning, October 2,to the tragic news of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. My heart is heavy as I think of the many grieving such a heart-rending and senseless loss of life. Clearly, the enemy is warring against the image of God. I was instantly reminded of the Lord’s words to Noah in Genesis 9:6, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.”
The image of God is a sacred thing. As human beings, we have the great honor and privilege of bearing this beautiful image. We at Outpost Ministries and TCJHOP are committed to standing for the glory of God’s image by standing for the truth of men and women.
We know that in the latter days sin and demonic activity will increase. How much more then should we be vigilant in our stand for the glory of God’s image in men and women. Beloved, no other created thing holds such a high esteem. We have the capacity for relationship with the uncreated God in a personal, intimate relationship. Such a prize is worth the fight.
We are weeping with those who are weeping in Las Vegas and around the nation. We are reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus, the One from whom our help comes. We have renewed our commitment to pray and fast for our city, state and nation. We pray in the spirit of Joel 2, God’s strategy for navigating times such as these:
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord,
“Turn to Me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and
with mourning.”
So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm.
Who knows if He will turn and relent,
And leave a blessing behind Him . . .” (Joel 2:12-14).