Loss of Richardson officer February 7, 2018

This week , we again have witnessed the disregard for the life of another law enforcement officer, a peace officer/peace maker.  We lost a brother in blue in Richardson who responded to a caller in need. He was the first officer lost in our state this year 2018. We mourn with the wife and children. We mourn with the family members. We mourn with the Richardson Law Enforcement family. Our community mourns with theirs. We pray for strength for all.

In times like these It seems like a good time to look into Gods word and let it speak directly to us.

People may ask, what does the bible say to help us?

Fact: These officers are ordained by God as agents of God to bring order (peace)  to our world.

Romans 13:1 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”

Romans 13:4 “For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”

Psalm 82:3-4 “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

Psalms 7:10 My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.

God calls peacemakers  his sons  (and daughters)

This is one of the most widely known verses.

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

And when tragedy and loss of a peacemaker comes, we remember this verse:

John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

Christians belief:

2 Corinthians 6: To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.

Upon death our spirit returns to the lord. Our body(shell) remains to be mourned and buried.

I Thessalonians 4:13-14: “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”

Here are other verses that apply to our hero’s and peacemakers for comfort.

Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Comfort

Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

Psalms 18:31-36 For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?—the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.

Psalms 29:11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Deuteronomy 31:8 “… It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Isaiah 41:10 “… fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Numbers 6:24-36 May the lord bless you and keep you,  may he make his face shine on you and be gracious to you, may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

May God bless you, our law enforcement family, our cities and our great country.

Chaplain Mark