Today I got the opportunity to get out of town and spend time with friends in God’s creation. While I was climbing Mt. Magazine, a story across the ocean was developing that is leaving the world in shock.
In Brussels, Belgium three explosions occurred as part of a coordinated terrorist attack by ISIS. Two of these explosions occurred in the Brussels’ international airport. The other explosion was in the Maelbeek metro station. In the wake of these attacks, 230 people have been left injured, and 30 people lost their lives.
Months ago we watched in horror as a similar attack rocked Paris. And in the same manner of supporting Paris in their time of tragedy, now is the time to mourn alongside Belgium in their time of pain and sorrow.
After a day spent out in creation, one conclusion is abundantly clear: Creation is in desperate need of redemption.
What are we do to in response of this conclusion?
The Apostle Paul lays this out in 1 Timothy 2:1, “First of all, then, I urge that all supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people.”
ALL PEOPLE.
We are living in a Genesis 3 world, and until Christ returns for His bride and to deliver justice, it will continue to be a place of brokenness. That isn’t an excuse for believers to disengage from the world’s sufferings. We as The Church have to start looking beyond simply our own neighborhoods. We must fervently pray for gospel advancement during these seasons of hurting in the world. All of creation aches for a peace and redemption with the Creator the gospel and the gospel alone can offer.
Sloan Stephenson 