It’s incomprehensible that a crime this heinous could take place anywhere, but atop that is the reaction of the onlooking security guard, who not only does not help her, but closes the door. An updated report says that the security guard has been suspended and the assailant Brandon Elliott has been arrested. Elliott is on lifetime parole for killing his mother in 2002. He was released from prison in 2019.
The woman was attacked for nothing more than being who God created her to be. This story took my mind immediately to Matthew 19:16-22 KJV
[16] And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? [17] And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. [18] He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, [19] Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [20] The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? [21] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
The rich young man was distraught because he had accumulated great wealth. He wasn’t sorrowful for his sin, but was sorrowful for the fact that all he had done was not enough to obtain eternal life and Jesus ask that he would part with his worldly goods. While that certainly does not equate to what happened in the video, it quickly reminded me of the value that we put on material things in this life, and the “me first” attitude we can all be guilty of. The rich young man chose rather to turn his back on God rather than turn away from his wealth, the security guard didn’t act like he even considered coming to the poor woman’s aid even though you would have thought that would have been his first natural reaction. But the nature of man isn’t good. As Christ said, “there is none good but One, that is, God.”
When it came to the crucifixion of our Lord, it doesn’t say that anyone stepped up to His defense. And yet they had seen the miracles He had wrought, many of them had been recipients of His goodness and grace, and yet they stood by and watched as He was beaten, scourged, hung on the cross and subjected to torment and torture by heartless guards. No, there is none of good, not one. But we compare our lives to that of the people like the security guard. And we look pretty good. But then I look deep into the crevices of my “me first” heart and I see so much that could be better for the Lord. Soooooooooo much. If I truly take the time to keep looking, I don’t feel that I’m any better than the security guard at all.
This week should be a week of deep reflection, but I fail miserably at that too. So caught up in the days with things I want to do, not giving heed or attention to the things that Christ would rather I be doing with my time. Not nearly grateful enough for all He’s done for me. Not coming to the aid of people that I see hurting as I should. The video is a visual reminder of the condition of the world we’re in. Why Jesus hasn’t said “enough” and called His children home, I don’t know. But I’m none the less grateful that we are still here with time to see more people saved. But will we step up, or will we close the 🚪 door?.
If we were on parole for our role in the death of Jesus Christ, would it be revoked today because we’ve failed Him yet again? I know for certain mine would. Thank God, O thank You Jesus for your undeserved grace.
