Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread":
“What-would-Jesus-do?” or “what-car-would-Jesus-drive?” are popular questions. In the wake of the Amish school massacre, it might not be off-limits to ask what He would do as a boy of 12 if such a terrorist had walked into the “school” where He had met with the priests in the Jerusalem Temple (cf. Luke 2:41ff). Yes, there were terrorists in His day.
When He was 33, the answer became obvious: He submitted to the terrorism of the chief priests and elders. He meekly let them handcuff Him, drag Him off, and condemn Him unjustly, and then crucify Him. He did not protest, scream, or struggle as did His two companions—thieves. But He knew who He was—“the Lamb of God,” and as such it was His duty to “open ... not His mouth, ... [be] led as a lamb to the slaughter” (Isa. 53:7). But how would He confront a gunman as one of us today? Don’t say this is an impossible scenario; we have Columbine and the Pennsylvania Amish school, and too numerous copycat incidents.
The principal and teachers of one school in Burleson, Texas may not be citing Jesus as an example, but they are teaching the children not to hide under the desks or meekly obey orders as did the Amish children, but to oppose the terrorist en masse, rush him, pelt him with books or whatever objects are at hand, even pencils, take him down; the reasoning is stark, if they have to die anyway, then die trying for justice. Some there favor the idea, some oppose.
No one can keep the daily news from children these days; it would be good if thoughtful teachers (and parents) could discuss with children, “What would Jesus do? What should we do?” If the Holy Spirit were not kept out of the meeting, they would not be traumatized by the discussion. It would be healthful if what Jesus said could be pondered. The children themselves might come up with some Spirit-inspired ideas, for often we know the Holy Spirit has communicated with children. We can trust Him!
Of course, we can pray most earnestly that the dear Lord will spare us such a confrontation; but others have had to meet it; so may we. But whatever, the bottom line truth will reassure us all, “Under [the Father’s] wings you shall take refuge, ... you shall not be afraid of the terror ...” (Psalm 91:4, 5). Children will believe that, trust Him, and be happy.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" web page resides at: http://1888message.org/dailybread/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: <dailybread@1888message.org>
To un-subscribe send an e-mail message with "un-subscribe" in the body of the message to: <dailybread@1888message.org>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" phone message is available via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.
