Have you ever lost sight of your child in a store for even just a moment? It’s a terrifying experience. It happened to me when my oldest was about four. I found her in the arms of one of our friends, but it didn’t keep me from thinking of all the possibilities that might have been. I’m sure most parents know that fear.
Mary and Joseph went through the same ordeal. But not for a few moments, it was for three days. If you’d like to read the story, it’s Luke 2:41-48. Thankfully, the story of Jesus and my daughter’s had a happy ending. Some do not.
This past Thursday would have been Somer Thompson’s tenth birthday. For those of you who don’t know the story, she was kidnapped and murdered at age 7. I can’t begin to understand what her mother goes through when she recalls her daughter. I can’t imagine how a parent feels when they have a child still missing.
We don’t know why God allows these things to happen. One thing we do know is God doesn’t interfere with the acts of man. He gives man the right to choose whether to do right or wrong. Isaiah 7:15 reads, He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.
I wish God would smite those who do harm against children. A few lightning bolts to a couple sexual predators might qualm the rise in this crime. However, He allows these creatures to walk among us, giving them the choice whether to act or not.
What we, as Christians can do is pray. Pray for the safety of our children. Pray for those missing. Pray for the family members left behind. And pray for those deviant people who might harm children. Pray that they realize the evil they are about to do, and pray that they will turn to God to squash these feelings.
Until God puts me in charge of lightning bolts, it’s really the best thing we can do.
