Daily Devotional for May 26, 2022

 
On May 16, a student at Uvalde High School turned eighteen years old.  The next day, he bought an assault rifle.  The day after that, he bought 376 rounds of ammunition.  Three days later, he bought another assault rifle.  Four days after that, he walked into an elementary school and murdered 21 people.
 
Yesterday, the airwaves were filled with politicians offering prayers on behalf of those who were victimized by the laws they refuse to change.  This sort of hypocrisy is one of the reasons why so few of us trust politicians.
 
So far this year, there have been 200 mass shootings in the United States.  That’s more than one each day.  Our congress has not passed a single piece of gun control legislation for a decade, yet countless people have died horrible deaths, many of which could have been prevented.
 
For those who have the power to enact change but fail to do so and simply say to the families of all the murdered people, “I am keeping you in my prayers,” scripture is very clear.  Words are meaningless unless backed action.
 
This is same hypocrisy James addressed by saying, “Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat.   What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!”? What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs?”  James 2:15-16
 
When it comes to the lack of any accountable gun control, Solomon’s words on common sense are coming true.  “The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.” (Proverbs 21:16)
 
Common sense gun control is not a violation of the Second Amendment, it is good stewardship.
 
Tonight, when I watch the evening news, odds are there will be a report of another mass shooting that was preventable.  God help us all.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, give courage, strength, and resolve to those who have the power to make meaningful change.  Protect us from the evil powers of this world.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
One day, each of us will stand before our Maker and give an accounting.  I feel sorry for those who tell God, “I cared more about the Second Amendment than I did the people I could have saved.”  I don’t think that conversation is going to end well.
 
I say this as someone who has plenty of guns.  I am not against the Second Amendment.  I am against stupidity.
 
People matter more than the Second Amendment or the unlimited money of gun lobbyists.  
 
I hope we get it right.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins