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 INTRODUCTION
On September 11 the world witnessed a diabolical act of malice, wickedness and gross evil perpetrated primarily against the innocent of America but also on other nations whose people were in New York City at the time of the World Trade Center collapse.
In stunned disbelief, we watched as if we were at a disaster movie from which we would emerge an hour or so later entertained and relieved that it was all just make-believe and we could resume our normal lives. But this was not a movie - it was the real world! We were thrust into a new era and no amount of pinching will wake us up from the nightmare of that day!
"IN GOD WE TRUST!"
In response, Australian Archbishop Peter Jensen made these succinct remarks; "The Bible knows all about evil and suffering and its devastating effect on this world. It does not make God's presence independent of such evils… It sets God in the midst of them… The Bible is the book which tells us about human evil. It expects wickedness, and we should never be surprised at how far into evil men and women will go… We live in a world in rebellion against God, and we must expect the consequences. But God has not abandoned his world. He is present in it, and we may turn to him with perfect confidence that he will hear us and uphold us, despite the awfulness of our experience.
The Bible makes us confident of God's righteous and sovereign power. God is the judge of the whole earth, and he is the one true and righteous judge. If we do not experience his judgement now, it is because he withholds his hand, waiting for sinful men and women to turn to him in repentance. But of this we may be absolutely sure: that evil men will not triumph, that God will vindicate the innocent and glorify his own name. His judgement may be slow as we count time, but it is very sure… 'In God we trust....' are no empty words." (Source: Anglican Media Sydney)
KEEP THE LIGHT SHINING
President Bush told the nation on September 11; "…America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining... Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.''
Christians are citizens of an unshakable Kingdom! In the midst of everything like this that happens, we must keep our focus on the Lord and His immovable throne in Heaven.
A CLASH OF CIVILIZATIONS
America remains one of the only nations to still support Israel. In recent years America has demonstrated intentions to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The prospect of this infuriates anti-Israeli nations, many of whom shelter terrorists, because it would be an affirmation by America that it would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Although this attack on New York City and Washington was aimed specifically at America, it really was just part of the on-going struggle for control of Jerusalem. Zechariah 12:3 says; "And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it." More and more we see the world moving towards what eventually will be a major clash of civilizations - East and West! What we are seeing now is just the beginning. The focus of these conflicts will increasingly be on that "eternal" city.
SHAKEN BUT STILL STANDING.
It is more crucial than ever in these "perilous times" for Christians to stay centered in God's peace, which does not depend on any earthly circumstance, no matter how good, or tragic it may be. It will overcome evil with good, and counteract the fear and despair that the enemy will try to sow in the hearts of all that he can through this tragedy.
NOW WILL WE COME TOGETHER?
It was an astounding sight to see a united Congress assembled on the Capitol steps on Tuesday afternoon, September 11, singing "God Bless America." All political differences were dissolved in an unprecedented display of unity. Media reports told of diverse neighborhoods setting aside distinctions such as "African" or "Italian American" and joining each other simply as Americans in the streets for candle-light vigils.
I am believing for the church to unite, dropping denominational and racial walls? The American church needs to stay on her knees as one body and that will happen either by choice or by judgment. Hopefully it won't take a major shaking to bring us together, but sadly that has often been the case in the past.
AT THE CROSSROADS
God has certainly got our attention through this tragedy and He is going to move the Church of America out of her comfort zone. While it is never His plan to bring destruction to people's lives, He does want to be enthroned in our hearts. We must fix our focus on Him and choose revival rather than judgment. America, as a nation and as the church, is at a crossroad - God's mercy is still greater than His judgment and His main concern is that all of this nation will declare Him as Savior and Lord. The response is up to each of us.
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