January 19, 2024

Uvalde Report, Trump Praise

January 19, 2024

“The best theology would need no advocates; it would prove itself.”

Karl Barth

A Convicting Uvalde Report
Praise from the Left for Trump
Other news you should know
Remnant Resources
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A Convicting Uvalde Report

The Justice Department's scathing report on the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, reveals that poor coordination, training, and execution of active shooter protocols contributed to a law enforcement response described as a "failure." Improper active shooter training, a lack of leadership, and miscommunications among officers were highlighted. The delay in responding provided the gunman with additional time to continue the attack, impacting the potential survivability of victims. The report details at least 10 "stimulus events" that could have prompted immediate action but were not effectively addressed. Families affected by the shooting have expressed frustration and a desire for justice and accountability. The report builds on a state investigation that found "systemic failures" among law enforcement officers.

The easiest thing to do in this "remnant response" would be to eviscerate the Uvalde police for their obvious deficiencies. Their failures are numerous, horrifying, and unequivocally cost children their lives and families their children. The shame and burden of failure the officers involved in this event likely carry is only surpassed by the pain of those who lost family members because of their inaction. Isaiah prophetically observed when leaders fail- "Nothing remains but to crouch among the captives Or fall among the slain" (Isaiah 10:4). Leadership failure is always expensive, even when it isn't this obvious.

We should stop here and pray for everyone involved in this horror (Colossians 4:2, Romans 12:15). While we may have moved on to the next news story, they all assuredly continue to live in this old one. Please pray.

Meanwhile, much more difficult than shaking our heads at the failure of others is to pause and consider what may be our own (1 Corinthians 10:12). It would serve us well to ask how the Lord's "justice department" will write up our "first responder" performance.

God's Word could not be more clear that a "report" awaits us all (Revelation 22:12-13). While there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), there is going to be an evaluation of our work (1 Corinthians 3:13).

Let me tweak some quotes from this report in a way that should awaken us to the horror of ours.

"'Entire nations' may have been saved if the church had responded differently."
"Instead, a dearth of Godly leadership contributed to believers failing to recognize an active eternal danger and waiting far too long to engage the lost."
“Poor coordination, training, and execution of active demonic protocol contributed to a church response that can only be described as a ‘failure.’"

Let me be clear, in no way is our disobedience going to prevent the Lord’s sovereignty and grace from accomplishing His will, but God’s Word is clear that His church is His intended plan A, and there is no revealed plan B (Matthew 5:13-16). We are the Lord’s chosen first (and only) responders called to love, preach and bring grace to a world trapped in a classroom of sin (Romans 10:14).

Solomon could not be any more direct, in his warning to us if we don’t ACT.

"Deliver those who are being taken away to death, And those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh, hold them back. If you say, "See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?" (Proverbs 24:11-12)

Our prayer in writing this response is that you would be convicted to action today.

May it never be said of the remnant, that those Jesus calls us to serve “deserved better” (Luke 19:10).

_{By Todd Wagner}

Praise from the Left for Trump

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon praised former President Donald Trump's record and urged Democrats to be more respectful of Trump's supporters to avoid hurting President Joe Biden's reelection bid. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Dimon expressed concern about negative talk surrounding the phrase "MAGA" (Make America Great Again) and its impact on Biden's campaign. He argued that linking Trump's supporters to the former president's personality is unfair scapegoating. Dimon also credited Trump for being right on issues such as NATO, immigration, and economic growth, acknowledging that Trump's policies resonated with voters.

Jamie Dimon’s admonition was timely and well placed (Proverbs 24:26). There is a sneaky danger in adopting an attitude akin to the Pharisee in Luke 18:11, who proudly proclaimed, "Thank God I am not like those other people."

Dimon has tapped into a notion that often eludes many in the elite media and institutional circles. An individual's vote is often an indicator of closer alignment with policies and positions rather than a mere endorsement of personality or character – at least, it should be. No politician's policies nor character is immune to scrutiny, and blind allegiance is unwarranted, unwise, and sinful (Proverbs 14:15). When Christians assess political leaders, we have the duty to filter their judgments through the lens of Scripture rather than our closest political in-group (Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:14-15).

Therefore, a Christian has the freedom (and responsibility) to criticize Trump's obvious character flaws and mishandling while still choosing to support his policies and expressing gratitude for his judicial appointments that led to the rightful overturning of Roe vs. Wade. When Trump, Biden or the Pope does something good, it should be celebrated. Praising leaders for their excellence in one area does not imply blindness to their failures in others. Praising a person when they do right does not make one partisan, it makes you reasoned. And we are commanded to let our reasonableness be known to everyone (Philippians 4:5). The highest association for the believer is not our voter registration card; rather, it is our “registration” as children of God (Romans 8:15-16).

We are commanded in God’s Word to care about who our leaders are (Acts 6:3), and we can be glad in America that we have been given the privilege to vote for them. Because we are commanded to seek peace and prosperity where we live (Jeremiah 29:7), stand up for justice, and look to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4, Proverbs 31:8-9), that privilege is a responsibility. Do all you can to select wise leaders, then continually pray for (1 Tim 2:1-2) for and honor them as much as your Spirit-informed conscience allows (Romans 13:1).