April 12, 2024

OJ Simpson Dies, Hamas Can’t Find Hostages, EPA Sets Water Limits


April 12, 2024

“Die before you die. There is no chance after.”

C.S. Lewis

OJ Simpson Dies

O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star acquitted in the infamous 1995 trial for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, has died at age 76 from cancer, his family announced. Despite his athletic achievements, Simpson's legacy became marred by the highly publicized trial, which highlighted issues of race, class, and justice. While Simpson maintained his innocence, the trial's aftermath saw shifts in public perception, with ongoing legal battles and controversies surrounding his involvement in the case.

The man at the center of the most watched judicial proceeding in the history of our country has “gone the way of all the earth” (Joshua 23:14) and has heard the final verdict on his life (Hebrews 9:27). Years ago I read a story in Sports Illustrated where OJ quoted the 19th century statesman and journalist Horace Greeley when he said, “Fame is a vapor, popularity is an accident and money takes wings. The only thing that endures is character.” 

Simpson’s use of that quote is worthy of our reflection. 

First, Simpson’s tragic life story proves that knowing wise sayings doesn’t necessarily lead to wise living. Understanding and applying wisdom is more important than simply knowing it (Proverbs 4:7).Second, while Greeley’s assertions about fame, popularity, and money are true, (Proverbs 23:3-4) in the end it is not our character that will endure but the truths found in the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8).

Third, no matter how outstanding our resumė, no human character will satisfy the standard of perfection, and nobody’s life will endure the demands required by the holiness of God (Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:23). Irrespective of the verdicts delivered by human courts or opinions embraced by public perception, all that matters is what we have believed and how we have responded in faith to the person of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12, John 5:24).

Fourth, those frustrated by injustices on earth can be comforted in the knowledge that everyone will experience perfect justice when they stand before the Lord (Psalm 1:5-6). Finally, all of our lives are a vapor (James 4:14), and all of us would be wise to do all we can to make the most of every day we have been given because, as Moses has reminded us, we do not know when our opportunity to love and serve Christ on earth will be over (Psalm 90:11-12). 

May the Lord comfort the families of Simpson, his ex-wife, and Ron Goldman, and may the remnant heed the good in Horace Greeley’s words while trusting fully in God’s enduring grace (Matthew 11:28-30) and character (Psalm 84:10-12).

By: Todd Wagner

Hamas Can’t Find Hostages

Hamas has informed negotiators of its inability to locate and release 40 Israeli hostages as required for a proposed ceasefire. Negotiations for a temporary halt in fighting stipulate the release of specific categories of hostages, including women, children, and sick or elderly men. However, Hamas has struggled to identify suitable captives, hindering progress in ceasefire talks and raising concerns about the wellbeing of the remaining hostages.

Additionally, three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, according to Hamas sources. The Israel Defense Forces stated the strike targeted Hamas militants, with Haniyeh's sons identified as operatives.

Hamas is a terrorist organization intent on the annihilation of Jews. This development tragically highlights the reality of “negotiating” with the wicked (Proverbs 26:4-5, 28:4). As the “negotiations” continue, not only do the hostages and their families continue to suffer, but civilians all around Gaza suffer famine, medical crises, displacement, and the horrors of war under Hamas’ relentless commitment to evil (Proverbs 4:16, Isaiah 32:6). The world watches on as they exploits every opportunity to further death and destruction (Isaiah 5:20, John 3:20). There is no logic to their ethic: annihilation, destruction, exploitation, and manipulation are not means that will lead to a cease-fire, a peaceful resolution, or earn the trust of the world they demand land and respect from (Job 4:8). Repentance or the rude awakening of justice is their destiny… and we pray that the Lord brings either or both swiftly (Deuteronomy 32:35, Proverbs 3:7, Psalms 37:9).

 By: Kirby Mankin

EPA Sets Quality Limits

The EPA has issued a national regulation to limit certain PFAS (toxic “forever chemicals”) in drinking water, recognizing their persistence and prevalence in nature and health risks like cancer and birth complications. This regulation requires public water utilities to test for six types of PFAS, aiming to reduce exposure for 100 million people and prevent related illnesses. Despite criticisms over the limited scope of regulation, $1 billion in funding is provided to assist in compliance, emphasizing President Biden's commitment to clean drinking water and addressing contamination.

It seems logical that public water would be required to be tested for chemicals that are harmful to our well-being. Government and its agencies exist to protect and promote human flourishing (Romans 13:4). We are glad to find that $1B is being dedicated towards water improvement, a resource essential to our existence, especially as our government seems to have an “abundance” of billions of dollars these days.

As important as filtering harmful chemicals out of our water, the remnant should be concerned with dedicating abundant resources to filtering whatever is not true, pure, honorable, good, excellent, and praiseworthy from our minds (Philippians 4:8) and filling ourselves with the living water of the Word (John 4:14). And we should “spend” our time advancing the kingdom of heaven on earth, even as we wait for the day when water can flow “through the middle of the street of the city” and remain “bright as crystal” (Revelation 22:1-2). Come, Lord Jesus.

By: The Remnant News Team

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