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Virginia Tech Shooting

“You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13

“Anyone who strikes a man and kills him shall surely be put to death.” Exodus 21:12

We have just heard of the murder of 32 students and professors at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Not only is a murderer to be put to death he also suffers the second death.

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Revelation 22:14-16

Our whole nation is shaken in many ways, shock, grief, fear, sympathy, and anger. We have no place to express our anger. The murderer committed suicide so we can’t take it out on him.

There are a few things we can learn from this tragedy.

Concerning Ourselves:

1. Life is short
2. Death is certain and may be imminent
3. Are we ready to die
4. How can we get ready?
5. Are we afraid to die?

“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27, 28

“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:14, 15

Concerning Others:

1. This tragedy, mass murder and suicide, is a weekly occurrence in Baghdad.
2. Are we as shocked, grief stricken, sympathetic, and angry as we are about Virginia Tech?
Why Not?
3. Those of us who have had the fear of death removed from us, are we ready to help others
here or in Baghdad or any place else, who are afraid to die?

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