Last week, 67 people lost their lives in a tragic airplane accident near Reagan Airport in Washington, DC. A helicopter operated by the Department of Defence collided with a commercial jetliner over the Potomac River. In response, a number of famous pastors addressed the issue. The pastors both offered prayers for the victims and condemned the political firestorm that erupted in the wake of the accident.
Greg Laurie, a southern California pastor, shared his thoughts on Twitter. ” Our hearts are broken for the families facing this devastating loss. Let’s lift up these grieving families in prayer and also remember the first responders, who continue their incredibly difficult task of recovery,” he wrote. Laurie also addressed people whose faith might have been shaken by the tragedy.
“In times like this,” he said. ” We often ask, “Why did God allow this to happen?” To that question, I don’t have an answer. But I do know who we can turn to—Jesus. In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, He is our source of comfort, strength, and hope.” He concluded his post by wishing peace for the families of the 67 people killed in the wreck.
“May God bring peace to those who are mourning. And may this tragedy remind us all of the brevity of life. None of us are promised tomorrow, which is why we must be ready for eternity. As Scripture says, “Prepare to meet your God” (Amos 4:12),” said Laurie. “If you have not yet placed your faith in Christ, now is the time. Life is short, but eternity is forever. Don’t wait—turn to Him today.”
Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said Christians have a special responsibility in times of crisis. “It’s very telling that the national media conversation so quickly turned to: Who is at fault here? What policy is going to be changed here?” “As Christians, we must do our best to put them back into proportion. And that means that we ponder the meaning of almost 70 human lives.”
“We also understand that every single human life on that plane was a human being made in the image of God, and thus, they are not merely an aviation collision statistic,” Mohler added. ” In the meantime, it does point out and underline…what is at stake in the difference between life and death and just how quickly…the difference between life and death can be just about everything. “
“The passengers on that airline were preparing to get off the airplane and get on with their business. The crew was concentrating on landing the plane safely,” he said to conclude his remarks. “The military crew had their own assignment. The fact is, all of that changed in an instant, and that is a humbling realization for us all.” The father of the pilot killed in the crash echoed Mohler’s remarks.
Watch Greg Laurie Offer His Thoughts for the Victims:
Tim Lilley, the pilot’s father, said, “The only thing giving me any comfort at all” was his son’s devout faith: “Sam’s right with Jesus, and I know where he’s going.” He explained, “We just need time. My family, and time, [and] Lots of prayers.” On Facebook, he added, “I was so proud when Sam became a pilot. Now it hurts so bad I can’t even cry myself to sleep. I know I’ll see him again, but my heart is breaking.”
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