Every time a tragedy goes viral on social media, the debate begins almost instantly. There’s finger pointing, outrage, and the inevitable hijacking of the crisis to rally a cry against whatever agenda the person is pushing for.
This isn’t just about politics, psychology, or society.
It’s spiritual.
Today it’s about the man who gunned down children attending Mass.
Before YouTube could pull down his channel, folks on X put his entire manifesto and writings up for the world to see.
Disturbing is the only way to explain what I saw and heard.
There were cryptic photos and letters, cries of shame, desperation, and hatred. I barely made it through the 2 minute clip, feeling that "hair on my neck” sensation as I listened to his demonic mutterings.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a 23 year old mentally disturbed young man in Minneapolis targeting children at Mass, or a group of drugged up Hamas soldiers murderously tearing through a festival of Jewish families, evil has a tone and an energy that is unmistakable.
Satan doesn’t invent new tricks; he recycles the same spirits over and over.
This shooter scrawled anti-Semitic remarks on his guns and then opened fire on Catholic children in prayer.
Why is evil preoccupied with destruction of the innocent and of God’s Covenant people?
Innocent children radiate the likeness of God as we are made in His image. The Jews are the Covenant people through whom Jesus came. Attacking both is the enemy’s way of trying to vandalize God’s character in the eyes of the world.
This isn’t random. It’s the very pattern Paul warned about:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
Five different words to explain evil.
Rulers
Authorities
Cosmic powers
Present darkness
Spiritual forces of evil
Paul says in essence, we’re at war with the entire hierarchy of evil working through broken systems and broken people.
So what do we do when faced with these type of news headlines?
We take up the armor of God daily so that after all is said and done, we’re able to stand firm.
We put on…
The belt of truth. Hold fast to what is true. This is difficult to do right now as the misinformation machine is rampant and syncretism is everywhere.
The breastplate of righteousness. Jesus’ righteousness shields your heart. It’s not by our works, but by the work He did on the cross. That is the only hope we have.
The shoes of peace. Walk in mercy, carrying the gospel. The time for judgment is not yet, for God’s unbelievable patience is still working, that none should perish without first knowing Him.
The shield of faith. Trust His promises to block every attack. When it looks like all hope is lost, hold onto the character of God and believe that He will come through.
The helmet of salvation. Rest secure in His protection and eternal hope, that no matter how deep or hard the tribulation, it will pass.
The sword of the Spirit. God’s word equips you with everything you need to stand firm. It’s the one offensive weapon in the entire armor and we have it at our fingertips more easily than any generation before.
Ephesians 6:10-18
People will politicize this like they do every shocking evil. They’ll make it about the Democrats or the Republicans or Catholics or the Jews or the Muslims or maybe they’ll make it about transgenderism or white men.
But make no mistake, this is about Satan’s desperate (but ultimately futile) attempt to destroy what God loves. We know how the story ends. Evil has a hierarchy, but it is defeated. The cross disarmed the rulers and authorities, and the resurrection sealed their fate.
Until Jesus returns, we’re called to armor up, to resist, and to stand.
Excellent reminders to be equipped!