When you see the pictures of the huge crowds gathered at the Virginia Tech Memorial services, the 33 who had to die suddenly seem a small number; but the truth is that when they died we all died with them. Each of us has pondered, What would we have done if we had been in any one’s place? Each of us is no better, more worthy than they. Each of us lives each moment as in the vestibule of eternity. Each of us is gifted with life that has infinite ramifications, yet is painfully mortal.
In Biblical terms, the murderous wretch was possessed of a devil. At least, he did what the devil wants anyone to do. This is not a simplistic, out of date characterization; it’s present truth reality. Cho was a modern Gadarene like the maniac who met Jesus in Luke 8 who was possessed of many devils, “Legion.” But Jesus did not run from him but confronted him head on and commanded the devils to leave him—which they did. The disciples and people in general fled in terror from the various devil-possessed people whom Jesus delivered; but He never ran. He always stood His ground and confronted the personal terror face to face.
“But He was Jesus, the divine Son of God!” someone may object; “who are we?” Well, we read that Jesus said that one who “believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12). Jesus never had a moment to prepare for these encounters He had with devil-crazed people; He simply had to step up momentarily to every dire emergency and assume divine authority and command the situation.
“What would I do if I met a Cho?” It’s not an idle question for any of us to ponder.
One must be and must remain a coward unless he has formed the habit of “dwell [ing] in the secret place of the Most High” (Psalm 91:1). It’s not a fear trip; that’s what we want out of, forever. It’s a personal, intimate acquaintance with “the Most High,” a sharing of the Savior’s cross with Him on which self is crucified with Him, “daily” (Luke 9:23).
Never worry in advance; the Lord has promised that the wisdom and the strength will be realized in the moment of need (Mark 13:11).
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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