A Response to the Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary

This is the audio podcast of Pastor Kevin Daniels' message about the Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting which took place on Friday, December 14, 2012. The full text of the sermon is below.

"When something like this happens, we are left wondering why.

We search for answers about how a loving God could allow this to happen, and we come up empty.

I’ve seen people on Facebook and Twitter who are using this tragedy for their own purposes. Whether it is banning guns or arming teachers, one thing is sure, everyone has been touched by this violence.

As a father, I am shocked that this can take place – especially to ones so young.

There were 12 girls and 8 boys murdered. They were all 6-7 years old – the same age as Logan.

I cannot help but be saddened at the injustice.

As a pastor, I am compelled to offer some words of encouragement and comfort, but I am at a loss.

I think about the milestones that these children will miss. Graduation. Marriage. Having kids of their own. And I mourn this loss. I mourn alongside the parents and teachers and family members of those who were killed.

I also mourn for the survivors. I can’t imagine having to explain to Logan or Kamryn what had happened and why some of their classmates would never be coming back to school.

Yet in the midst of all of these feelings, I find some comfort in the fact that these children are now with Jesus.

While on earth, Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Matthew 19:14)

I believe that he has welcomed each one of them into heaven. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

For those left behind, those left to pick up the pieces of a shattered innocence, I pray that the peace of the Lord Jesus would come upon them.

I thank the Lord for the heroic teachers and administrators who put themselves in harm’s way in order to save their students.

I thank the Lord for the first responders who arrived to a grisly scene yet maintained their composure to help usher the surviving children and adults to safety.

I pray that we can all find comfort in the Holy Scriptures for “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

God is not surprised by this tragedy. He knows that as a result of the sin that has overcome the world, evil would permeate every aspect of our lives, even in our safe places, even in the lives of our children.

Jesus wept when his friend was laid to rest, and I believe that Jesus weeps with all of us during this difficult time.

Though we cannot comprehend the depths of the evil, and though we will never truly understand the shooter’s motives, we can seek out the One who promises compassion, the One who promises to be there when sin rips apart our world."