The Death of Justice Scalia and What We Can Do About It

In the case of Scalia’s death, I am not particularly leaning toward the possibility of foul play, but that’s not to say that my left eyebrow didn’t shoot up in suspicion when I initially read headlines and articles.

First thoughts are sometimes silly thoughts. Or at least factually unfounded thoughts.

There was no autopsy, and that’s concerning. But he was nearly 80 years old and truth be told, he did suffer with some chronic health issues. Also, his family did not request an autopsy. If they had and were denied, I’d be a little concerned and might even be prompted to purchase a few hundred pounds of beans and rice in case all hell was about to break loose in the form of a government takeover.

Here’s the problem with lingering on conspiracy theories too heavily: it distracts us from our real mission. Whether Scalia was or was not murdered will or will not be found out. That’s all there is to it, and there’s nothing you or I can do to change any of the possibilities. We cannot force anyone to “look into to deeper.” We are not high up law enforcers. We are not the President. We are not Scalia’s family or friend. Before his death, Scalia had never even heard of us. We are just every day, common citizens. And as such, our mission right now is not to rack our brains or read every article put out by nay-saying, worry warts. It’s to be pray-ers. If we have a deep, guttural feeling that something is amiss, I personally think that’s okay. We’re entitled to have whatever feelings we feel. But what we do with those feelings is uber important.

Anxiety, fear, and despair are all feelings that desperately need to be lassoed. Rein them in. Make them obey. Nobody’s denying we have a right to feel them, but the sad thing is that if we don’t deal with them appropriately, they only accomplish a spike in blood pressure and cortisol, thereby making us puffy and fat. They never solve any mystery or problem, perceived or real.

It’s not just Scalia’s death and the manner in which it happened that can be concerning. It is, of course, the aftermath. Who will replace him? Will the Senate block anyone (anyone?!) Obama chooses? Will they believe that the left is sincerely concerned about upholding the Constitution and succumb to liberal pressure that says it is unconstitutional to wait for the new POTUS to appoint Scalia’s replacement? Will the Senate pull a bi-partisan card and approve someone who is neither pro-life or pro-choice, but wavers on that, and may other important issues?

I don’t know.

I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know. 

None of us do. So if we’re concerned (and we should be), then let’s stop spending such a huge chunk of time on things we cannot predict or control, and start going to the One who can both predict and control it all, and does.

God is sovereign. God is trustworthy. And God may be judging America by simply giving what America has been pushing for as that judgment. He’s been known to give people up to uncleanness, to the lust of their hearts (Rom. 1:24-25), and that usually happens after He’s given an abundance of opportunity for repentance. We’ve had chances galore. Now it may be time to own up to our stubborn pride and lust, and receive our due punishment.

It may also just mean that it was Scalia’s time to go home, and that God is about to give us a pro-life, pro God judge that will take Scalia’s place and give Him the honor and glory due.

No idea.

The only thing I know for sure is that giving ourselves ulcers and wasting time on conspiracy theories is not our real mission. Prayer is. It’s what heavy laden people do.

Sovereign, loving God, we don’t know what your plan is, what your will for the Supreme Court is, but we know that the appointing of the next judge is ultimately in your hands. You turn hearts whatever way you wish, and we trust you. We trust you. We trust you. Though you slay us, we will trust you. 

We confess our worry, fear, and disappointment that has plagued us since hearing about Scalia’s death, and we pray for strength to continually repent. We resolve, instead, to take it to you in prayer. Help me, help all Americans, to ultimately and continually turn to you. Thank you for being our hope, our guide, and our confidence. ~Amen