My intent today was to continue our Summer Sermon Series, and on the agenda was a message about divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Then an event happened almost two weeks ago that, to my mind, is a perfect example in which the sovereignty of God and human responsibility came together. We think of such things theoretically until an event happens that shows the reality of these issues.

I’m referring, of course, to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. That was an event in which both divine sovereignty/providence and human responsibility play major roles. That event gives us an opportunity to consider several principles regarding divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

By now, most of us have had time to absorb and think about the shocking news of that assassination attempt. Whatever our feelings about Mr. Trump himself or his political views, we all should agree that violence is not the solution to our political arguments. I was happy to hear that Mr. Trump suffered only minimal injury and was back on his feet quickly. Sadly, others were injured and one man killed in the same incident.

The assassination attempt brings up a few issues that thoughtful Christians ought to consider.