Although I am well aware of the many memorial type things being said and done as we draw close to observing the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I am compelled by an inner need to express myself on the matter.
On 9/11 10 years ago I was watching morning television when I caught the first reports of the horrific events of that day. As it was unfolding I called my son to come and see what I was watching and together we observed in unbelief a change taking place in our lives, in the lives of all. It was a change that could never be reversed, it is a change that has so impacted our lives and those of our fellow Americans that we have not completely understood, nor from which have we fully recovered.
What is more, in the days that have followed 9/11, the world has changed in ways that have seen an exponential increase in communication. The rising and falling of nations have been become known and watched even as their stories unfold, the insanity of self destruction has become something that is rewarded by cash, and the concommitant increase of natural disasters has been shared, reported, and sustained. Throughout the past 10 years the world has sat in misery. The trauma impacts our lives to such an extent that those who are unable to act on it are forced to sit by and observe in numbed agony the widespread misfortune that touches them and their lives and the lives of so many others.
In what appears to be reckless, unmeasured ill planned activities there is widespread confusion, unrest, and chaos in high places. What are offered as simplistic solutions by greedy, self serving politicians and arrogant despots throughout the world, does not diminish the state of wickedness at all. It does one thing, however, it irrefutably establishes the imperfection and limitation of mankind.
Where in the world, and in which philosophy or worldiew of man may one go for peace and hope?
It is not to be found in the man-centered world views that push man's best ideas forward as solutions. Nor does the opiate of paganism, the abnorma perversion of hedonism, or the having of stuff provide any lasting hope. In fact, the world and all of its peoples are hopeless. Nor are we close to lasting peace.
The only way to understanding, resolution, and compassionate activity is through the consideration of that which the creator God has revealed in his word and through the propitiatory sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ.
Consider carefully where you are in your life. Think through your circumstance and listen to what Christianity has to offer. It s the answer you may be lookng for.
There is a hymn that expresses it well: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less CW 382.
My Hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness;
I dare to make no other claim
But wholly lean on Jesus name.
When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
Comments