We all remember where we were on 9/11/2001; and a national slogan was
imprinted on a new generation: NEVER FORGET! This was not the first time we
were called upon to remember. The Alamo, The Civil War, Pearl Harbor, The Holocaust,
The Civil Rights Movement and many, many more. Families who lost loved ones
never forget. Those who carry physical or emotional scars never forget. Nor
should we as a nation forget. We learned a lot on that day, now let us remember the grace
we needed and received that day.
And, let’s recall some of what we learned from 9/11:
We Learned We Need To Stand Together
- This was a patriotic moment, but it really touched us at a much deeper level. It revealed our need to draw closer to God and draw closer together as a nation in spite of our differences.
- People who never attended worship services nor saw the need, suddenly went somewhere to gather with the faithful
We Learned that While Others Rush Out, Some Rush In
- We found courage and sacrifice that informed and challenged us.
- We became more appreciative of those who protect us. The number of firefighters killed that day: 345. The number of police officers killed that day: 23. Many more have died since then with related illnesses directly tied to working on that site.
- We learned we should be MISSIONAL in how we live: John 15:12-13 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
We Learned We Should Not Be Naive About Evil
- We often ignore the spirit behind evil.
- It is convenient to blame circumstances.
- We are uncomfortable with the very idea of evil.
- Wrong priorities invite evil. Isaiah 47:8-10 (NIV) “Now then, listen, you lover of pleasure, lounging in your security and saying to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children.’ Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day.
- Evil must be openly called out: Matthew 7:11 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" By defining the enemy in stark terms and facing the problem realistically, we position ourselves for safety.
- We learned that confronting evil opens new opportunities: Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Evil is not driven out, but crowded out ... through the expulsive power of something good.” Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- Our duty is to offer hope in the face of evil: Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
