“For loners, they sure are a big group,” observed Wall Street Journal columnist, Peggy Noonan (July 14, 2024). Thomas Matthew Crooks (20-years-old) joined the fraternity of loners to attempt an assassination of a US President, then he was killed by the US Secret Service after wounding former President Donald Trump (R) at a campaign appearance in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13th. Sadly, one other was killed, and two others were injured by the gunman. Freedom to choose does not guarantee the right choice. Why did he act? It is not certain. Not requiring a conspiracy or even a clear political statement to explain the assassination attempt; it is only clear, God cannot always wisely prevent sin.
Why did Crooks act? “Having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12 KJV). A generation set adrift without hope will lash out against any authority, which to them represents God in their lives. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7). Only the “power of God” (1:16) could change that negative outcome.
Unless the Church embraces doctrine: (1) requiring “holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14), (2) understanding you cannot be holy and sinful at the same time, since “no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24) and “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?” (James 3:11), and (3) promising the Holy Spirit’s assistance “which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13), then we will be powerless to prevent more lawlessness. No more assuring anyone of Heaven, while pulling a trigger to assassinate a President.
LORD, the world is turned upside down, when the Church does not have the understanding or influence to keep us from consuming ourselves, our families, our churches, the nation, or the world. Let understanding start with us and spread to the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
We Need A Miracle 