This morning the words don’t come.
I’m remembering where I was twenty-four years ago. I’m keenly aware of the senseless hatred that prompted that act of evil and now I am also deeply touched another result of hatred that took the life of Charlie Kirk.
I only have the prophetic words of Isaiah.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to poor people. He has sent me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent me to tell those who are being held and those in prison that they can go free. 2 He has sent me to tell about the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day our God will bring punishment. He has sent me to comfort all who are filled with sorrow. 3 To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLV
And the words of Jesus.
“Great blessings belong to those who are sad now. God will comfort them.” Matthew 5:8 ERV
“ Someone handed Him the book of the early preacher Isaiah. He opened it and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19 NLV
Father, I pray in Jesus’ name, that you will comfort all who mourn. We fall into your arms for comfort and consolation. We trust you to bring peace and healing to our souls.