What About the Cries of the Innocent?

Recently the principal of a public school in New York set policy for the school that Thanksgiving had to be called a Harvest Party; no one could use the word Christmas; Santa Claus is out because he is a religious figure; and no Christmas carols can be sung.  In fact she forbids the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.  This is just one of the more recent examples of someone trying to kill the expression of faith in the public arena.  At the same time I read an encouraging article that spoke of how the skepticism of the historicity of the New Testament that has been prevalent over the past century is being disproved by secular scholars and archeological finds.  Read about that here.

There have been many attempts through the centuries to "kill Jesus" in the public arena.  In fact we can return to the Christmas story to see a prime example. (Matthew 2:13-18)  When his attempt to use the Magi as informants in finding this one born "king of the Jews" failed, Herod sent his soldiers to the area of Bethlehem to kill all baby boys two years of age and younger.  Here is what the prophet Jeremiah had said about his own day and looking forward to this event:

This is what the Lord says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Jeremiah 31:15

But Herod was not successful because God sent an angel to have Joseph get the family out of town and remain in hiding in Egypt until after the threat was over. The gifts of the Magi, presented shortly before this took place, provided the funding for the trip.  No man will ever be able to cause God to lose His witness in His world.  He knows how to protect His own.

So when we feel the pain that evil causes and the cries of the innocent are heard, we can rest in the knowledge that God is there.  Not all evil will be ended by God until Jesus returns.  But until then, God will always protect and provide a witness.  He will give us what we need by the time we need it.  He will put us in a place of protection.  He will have us resurface when things are clear.  And His purposes will always be accomplished in the long run no matter what men may do.

I still hear the cries of the innocent today.  I still see the hatred of the anti-Christ spirit in our world.  I see the political and social attempts to remove any vestige of faith.  But I also see the hand of a Sovereign God protecting, providing, and reassuring His people.  And for that I give thanks.

Are you resting in that same knowledge today?