https://www.foxnews.com/us/13-year-old-california-bakery-riot-suspect-arrested-hours-release-robbery

Brethren, as we witness the unfolding of these lamentable events, where a mere child, a 13-year-old, sinks into a life of crime, boldly engaging in burglary, vandalism, and inciting a riot, we see a stark reflection of 2 Timothy 3:1-3, which warns us that in the last days perilous times will come. Children shall be disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection. This young soul, instead of embodying the godly innocence of youth, became an instrument in the hands of malefactors, casting a shadow over the once safe haven of Ruben's Bakery and Mexican Food. The audacity to release this young delinquent back into society merely hours after such heinous acts, to then reoffend, is a testimony to a crumbling justice system that turns a blind eye to Exodus 21:24, "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth." His actions shredded the fabric of a hardworking family's livelihood, resulting in a staggering $70,000 in material losses. This is the fruit of a society that forsakes the rod of discipline, as the wise Solomon counseled in Proverbs 13:24, and spares a child who remains wayward. Where are the parents in this? The community? The church? But let us not overlook the providence that placed one vigilant deputy, a servant of peace, in the path of potential disaster. This lone keeper of the peace, Deputy Luis Cisneros, stared into the chasm of chaos and, by God's grace, prevented further calamity. We are reminded that "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). The heart of Ruben Ramirez Jr., an honest proprietor, echoes the sentiments of any individual who respects the sanctity of private property and the sweat of one's brow. His poignant question, "Where are the parents at?" throws a gauntlet to the Christian community. It is our responsibility to heed the call to bring up our children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4) lest they become foot soldiers for the enemy. The reopening of Ruben's Bakery is a testament to the resilience of those who trust in the Lord and rebuild amidst the rubble. Nonetheless, the spiritual decay showcased by this tragic story is a clarion call to our nation to return to the Judeo-Christian values that undergird our society. Be not misled, for "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn" (Proverbs 29:2). Let this be a reminder that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual wickedness that emboldens such sin (Ephesians 6:12). Pray, warriors of Christ, for our youth, for our leaders, for our law enforcement, and for our nation, that we might face these trials with a spirit of revival and reformation, casting aside the works of darkness, and donning the full armor of God. Amen.