Danger Inside

There has been an emphasis on violent crime in American cities recently, with the announcement that the federal government would step in to take control of the police force in the nation's capital, with other cities perhaps on the list. Crime is a pervasive problem across the board, in cities large, small, and everything in-between, as well a rural areas.  Crime is an outward expression of inward sin, and ultimate answers are wrapped up in the wisdom of God.  Jeremiah 17 (ESV) states:
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. ”
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
10 “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. ”

A well-known ministry's headquarters in California experienced a strange and unnerving set of circumstances recently.  According to an article on CBN.com, the leader of the organization said: “That afternoon, we spotted one of our executive staff members in the ministry parking lot staring at his car,” adding, “He was on the phone with the police — someone had tried to break into his vehicle. Whoever it was damaged it, but wasn’t able to get into the vehicle.” The wife of the ministry head looked at the video footage, which showed that someone had entered the building and perhaps was still inside.  The leader, well-known Christian apologist Ray Comfort of the ministry Living Waters, said:

“A man wearing a hoodie walked onto the property, then went onto the roof and checked a door,” he said. “When he couldn’t open it, he came back down, walked to the car…tried to break into it. Then brazenly wandered over to one of our warehouse garages — and crawled under the door.”

Police were notified, and Ray described what followed as a “scene straight out of a movie." CBN reported: "Comfort said authorities, who swarmed the property, told him the man had a knife and had barricaded himself inside. The unnamed individual was reportedly arrested and taken to the hospital."

But there's more to the story - Ray's wife, Sue, routinely will go to the ministry's offices on weekends.  But, this particular weekend, that wasn't the case. The article notes:

For some reason, she chose not to do so that day — something Comfort believes was “providential,” as it ensured her safety.

“It was unusual for her not to go to the ministry,” he told CBN News. “So we were thanking God for her decision not to go.”

Ray Comfort offered some powerful truth in the aftermath of this incident regarding our response to fear that could, as the article notes, set in following this type of occurrence.  He related:

“The Bible says that my steps are ordered by the Lord,” he said. “I, therefore, can never be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If I commit my way to God, no matter where I go, I’m in the right place at the right time.”

He continued, “And I know that whatever happens it will work out for my good — because of the wonderful promise of Romans 8:28. That gives me daily strong consolation.”

Even in our darkest hours or troubling circumstances, we can know that God is with us, and He most certainly has a purpose that He reveals through our trials.  When fear comes to taunt us, we can stand strong in faith and reject that spirit of fear.  

This could perhaps be considered a "close call" for Ray and Sue Comfort, and they were grateful for God's protection. Perhaps you can look back on your life and remember instances in which you noticed that God had directed you and kept you from danger - we can be confident in His hand of protection.

The Church has a role in addressing crime - and punishment.  Crime prevention comes as neighbors look out for one another and perhaps even pray for their neighborhoods and communities.  It's all about taking advantage of the "place" to which God has called us.  And, His Vessel Ministries desires to bring neighborhoods together in prayer through its "Light Our Community" initiative, complete with prayer guides - you can find out more in the Prayer Resources section of our website under "Resources."

We can also be confident that the wisdom of God can be applied in order to address crime issues, as well as how to reform and restore the lives of those who have committed crimes - an opportunity that prison ministries possess.  Ultimately, heart transformation through Christ can lead to safer communities.