Dear COA Family,
In such times of horror and sorrow for the atrocities that are perpetuated by evil people around the
world, I had actually written a reflection on what had taken place and how we should respond.
However, I have decided not to publish it as, on second thoughts, whatever I had to say seemed so
inappropriate and inadequate.
It was at this time that the Lord graciously provided his word in Psalm 94 which is so apt and
provides us, I believe, with the words to pray and hope in:
O LORD, God of vengeance,
O God of vengeance, shine forth!
Rise up, O judge of the earth;
repay to the proud what they deserve!
O LORD, how long shall the wicked,
how long shall the wicked exult?
They pour out their arrogant words;
all the evildoers boast.
They crush your people, O LORD,
and afflict your heritage.
They kill the widow and the sojourner,
and murder the fatherless;
and they say, “The LORD does not see;
the God of Jacob does not perceive.”
Understand, O dullest of the people!
Fools, when will you be wise?
He who planted the ear, does he not hear?
He who formed the eye, does he not see?
He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?
He who teaches man knowledge—
the LORD—knows the thoughts of man,
that they are but a breath.
For the LORD will not forsake his people;
he will not abandon his heritage;
for justice will return to the righteous,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Thanks be to God for his wonderful words of hope at this time.
Revd Ian