Lest We Forget
09.11.24
9/11. It isn’t often that this article coincides with this ominous date. It has happened three times— in 2013, 2018, and now. This article was written 9/11/13, some twelve years after the fact. It is slightly edited, and a bit out-of-date, but the principles remain.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him (Psalm 28:7).
Do you remember where you were twelve years ago, 9.11.01? I was selling curriculum to Christian schools, traveling down from La Crosse, WI, to Ottumwa, IA. I had an appointment scheduled with a school for later that afternoon. On the way down I wasn’t listening to the radio, but rather, as I recall, to a tape. CDs and MP3 weren’t much available in those days. I was thus unaware of what was happening.
For some reason I needed to phone my supervisor Ed, who lived in South Carolina. When he answered the phone I could immediately tell that something was wrong. He was not his jovial self and he asked me where I was. He expected me to be somewhere near a TV set, because he and all of his staff had gone home for the day and were glued to the TV. Of course he informed me of the happenings, but I was too far along my route to turn around and go back. So, I phoned the school to see if the meeting was still on, which thankfully it was. The meeting was however a short one, because one of the teachers was in the National Guard and was on call to go and help in New York City.
A lot has happened in our nation since that day. Fortunately, we have not had a recurrence of these events. We commend our leaders for keeping us safe. Yet the war on terrorism continues, and not every country has been left unscathed. No doubt, as long as there are people in this world, and Jesus is not the King, there will be terrorists. Unfortunately, there is some pretty crude and also some sophisticated weaponry at their disposal. The use of chemical weapons recently in Syria is just one striking example.
What are we to do in the light of living in such a dangerous world? Allow me to suggest four things. First, we need to remember that God is sovereign—He is in control of this world. Solomon wrote: The King’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wills (Proverbs 21:1).
Second, we need to trust in God. He knows what He is doing. Sometimes we wish He would do other things, or that He would hurry up His work. But, as for God, His way is perfect (Psalm 18:30a).
Third, we need to pray for America and our world. Paul instructed the believers to pray for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1 Timothy 2:2). At this writing, the leaders of America, Israel, Syria, Iran, Russia and others are trying to decide whether or not to go to war over the conflict in Syria.
Fourth, we need to look up, for our redemption draws nigh. This world will only get worse and worse as the time of Christ’s return approaches. We are living in days like Noah and Lot, days consumed with materialism and sensuality. The only hope for this troubled world is when King Jesus comes to rule and reign. Are you ready for His appearing?
As always, if we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you, please feel free to contact us.