It’s been ten days since Camp Mystic and Kerr County was flooded. Read 1 John 3:16-18. We woke up on July 4 to celebrate the birth of our nation only to be met with the tragedy that occurred in Texas. As of my writing, over 100 people have died and there are still some missing. Many that perished were elementary aged girls who were at camp together. In the midst of the tragedy, stories of triumph and sacrifice emerged. Emma Foltz, a young counselor at Camp Mystic, led 14 girls under her care to safety. Dick Eastland, owner of Camp Mystic, perished trying to save the people who were camped there. Scott Ruskan of the Coast Guard, led the rescue of 165 campers. Julian Ryan died from a fatal wound he suffered breaking a window so his family could escape. As followers of Jesus, our covenant guides us. The Covenant is the invitation from God to be God’s people through Jesus Christ. A covenant is an agreement based on trust. When we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ, he has promised to always be with us. Jesus showed us what love is when he gave his life for us. The Apostle John wrote that following Jesus includes the willingness to lay down our lives for others. We saw this sacrificial love in Texas. Although we grieve the loss of those who died, we realize that the number of deaths would have been far more tragic had it not been for those who were willing to sacrifice their lives so that others may live.

God of love, we pray for the families who are enduring the tremendous loss of life in the aftermath of the tragic floods. We thank you for those people who gave their lives and risked their lives so that others may live. Be with them in their hour of trial. Amen.