Being human since the fall of Adam means two things, at least: limited knowledge and tainted reasoning. If we were morally perfect, we would still possess limited range of knowledge. Therefore, we do not have ability to draw absolute conclusions that fully satisfy our questions. But since we are also affected by a nature that comes short of the glory of God, we struggle with making sense of all that life brings our way.
The senseless acts of a man terrorizing children, and adults, in a school setting are difficult for us to process. There is no one that has trouble calling the actions evil. Few would probably have trouble calling the perpetrator evil. Thankfully, we live in a culture that has not yet digressed to the point that we are desensitized to the horrible nature of such crimes.
But, it is interesting, as we begin to process the event and questions develop in our minds, our why questions often and quickly move from the perpetrator to God. It is because we believe that God is sovereign, and is certainly able to do whatever He pleases among the inhabitants of the earth, that we are challenged in our minds with His part in such tragedies. We know that He didn’t do it. We know He didn’t kill those children. But we also know that He is God, and therefore could have stopped it. Why didn’t He? Why did He permit it to occur?
Ultimately, I am sure there is no answer that will satisfy the unbelieving mind. But I am sure that whatever answer we give, it must not be an answer that humanizes God. Every act of evil in this world is an expression of man’s total depravity. God withdraws restraints at times to permit the ugliness of the human condition to be clearly seen. Such horrible acts of violence should humble our own hearts, as we remember that we are members of the human race, which collectively stands condemned under God due to our rebellion and violence against Him. Thank God’s restraining grace that expressions of evil are limited!
Can anything good come out of such tragedy? Is any good result really worth permitting such immense evil? Perhaps the best answer is found at the cross! There, wicked hands crucified and slew the very eternal Son of God. He was beaten and shamed! He didn’t deserve it! And for what? What good could have come from such monumental injustice? There is now good news for a world of sinners! It is possible for good to result from evil!
For those experiencing the grief and pain of this most recent tragedy, no good can be seen right now. We should not attempt to get them to see it. Can we see it? Probably not. But God is working by evil and good to bring about His purpose. It is best that we trust Him and wait upon Him to make things clear. And, as we wait and trust, be completely yielded to Him.
