HOW TO RESPOND TO THE ORLANDO DR.

JIM DENISON
TRAGEDY JUNE 12, 2016

I am writing this Cultural Commentary on Sunday morning as reports continue to

come in from Orlando. At this point, we know that the Pulse nightclub tragedy is
the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. We know that the shooter has been
identified as Omar Mateen and that authorities are investigating his possible ties to
Islamic terrorism.

Tomorrow I will write another Cultural Commentary on this horrific event, perhaps
looking at possible ISIS-inspired motivations and future attacks on the West. For
now, I feel compelled to write this essay from my heart.

As I have watched the news reports, I have sensed the grief of our Father for his
children. While Pulse is one of the best-known gay nightclubs in Orlando, Baptist
ethicist Russell Moore was exactly right when he tweeted, "Christian, your gay or
lesbian neighbor is probably really scared right now. Whatever our genuine
disagreements, let's love and pray."

Here's how you and I can "love and pray" for Orlando right now:

One: With hearts broken as God's heart is broken. Scripture is clear: "The LORD is
near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18; see
Psalm 147:3).

Our Father wants us to love all our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). If
people had to be perfect to deserve our intercession, for whom could we pray?
Who could pray for us? We are all broken people who need each other and our
Lord.

Two: With honesty as we share the pain of those who grieve. David prayed, "Be
gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul
and my body also" (Psalm 31:9).
We can be this honest with God. In fact, it is biblical to pray words of anger and
frustration. If Jesus could cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
(Matthew 27:46), we can ask our questions and express our pain. The Lord
already knows our hearts. He wants us to open them to him and to each other.

Three: With hope as we trust the redemptive power of God. The psalmist
proclaimed, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way" (Psalm 46:1–2).

Whatever comes of this tragedy and others that may come in the future, our Father
is still our Father. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
He loves us as much today as when he died on the cross for us. Our Lord
promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you" (Isaiah 43:2). No
matter how deep the river, his love is deeper still.

As he stood at the grave of Lazarus, "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). I am convinced

that he weeps today over Orlando. Let us join him now.