Escorted Into Glory

In Loving Memory of The Charleston 9

I read with shock and horror the news of the Charleston massacre. My initial reaction was despair, disgust, anger, pointing finger blame, frustration, helplessness, deep sorrow for the families, questions, and a loss of words. Quickly, I remembered to say something to Jesus in prayer. I needed to switch emotions. I wanted to focus on this bigger picture: Someone walked into a consecrated space where believers in Christ had gathered to worship the Most High Almighty God. Followers of Christ had assembled to study the Word of God. A good Bible Study is dominated by the presence of the Holy Spirit. That someone stayed long enough to pray with those Christians. Christians pray in the name of Jesus Christ. That evil presence had invaded the place where the Savior of the world was being glorified and honored. In that confined space where evil invaded was the might and power and indwelling of God Almighty. Yet, evil prevailed in the physical. Only in the physical did such evil win. And God’s house was defiled in a split second. God’s children whose bodies are temples wherein the Lord dwells had their breaths squelched in a split second—silenced forever from this side of Heaven.

AS MUCH AS talking, discussions, and expressing various sentiments help at any time, most especially during periods of mourning and grief, the WORD OF GOD is enough comfort by itself. Read passages of Scripture to fill your hearts and minds with peace, and restore some semblance of normalcy to your thoughts. I pray you would feel less perplexed as you contemplate “Thus saith the Lord.”

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. …” (Job 19:25 ESV)

“Behold, I cry out, ‘Violence!’ but I am not answered; I call for help, but there is no justice.” 

(Job 19:7 ESV)

“Why doesn’t the Almighty bring the wicked to judgment? Why must the godly wait for him in vain?” (Job 24:1 NLT)

“Wicked people rebel against the light. They refuse to acknowledge its ways or stay in its paths.” (Job 24:13 NLT)

“God is powerful and dreadful. He enforces peace in the heavens. Who is able to count his heavenly army? Doesn’t his light shine on all the earth? How can a mortal be innocent before God? Can anyone born of a woman be pure? God is more glorious than the moon; he shines brighter than the stars. In comparison, people are maggots; we mortals are mere worms.” 

(Job 25 NLT)

“By his power the sea grew calm. By his skill he crushed the great sea monster. His Spirit made the heavens beautiful, and his power pierced the gliding serpent. These are just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power. Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?” (Job 26: 12-14 NLT)

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 

(1^st Peter 1:14-16 ESV)

“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” (1^st John 3:2-3 ESV).

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (1^st Peter 3:8-9 ESV)

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil. Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (1^st Peter 3:12-17 NLT)

Blessings and peace,

Servant Hortense D. Grimes
www.doitforchrist.org

Founder, Do It For Christ Ministries Intl.
Creator, Hortense Grimes Inspiration Media
Dream Bearer & Carrier, Solace Africa Project