Yesterday over our morning coffee, Norma Jean and I were reflecting about September 11, 2001.
We were living in Spring Hill, TN. And I was preaching for the Jackson Heights church in Columbia. As I was getting ready to go to the office Norma Jean yelled for me to come into the family room. She said, “A plane has hit one of the twin towers.” Like millions of Americans we watched in amazement as a plane hit the other tower. Then the Pentagon was hit. And then the report of the crash in PA. Later we learned of the heroism that prevented another catastrophic strike.
That day I did not go to the office.
We can each recall our feelings of shock. Horror. Confusion. Uncertainty. Then anger. Outrage. And indignation toward the terrorists who would perpetrate such an evil act.
Today all our lives are different. 9/11 impacted our economy. Our military. Our communities. Our personal lives. Air travel and a host of other things.
The immediate feelings of unity, community, and patriotism has long since given way to political divisiveness. Party politics. And a more segmented and fragmented society.
Then as I reflect, I think how much our personal lives have changed. Ten of the past twelve years were spent in Tampa, Florida. Now we’re living in Lee’s Summit, Missouri!
Twelve years ago Kenny and April were newly weds. Rache’l was single. Both of our mothers were still live. And I was still a young preacher! (Or at least I thought I was!)
How much has your life changed?
Our country has experienced devastating hurricanes, destructive tornadoes, flash floods, and raging wild fires. We’ve been engaged in two wars. And many lives have been lost.
I wonder how many murders have been committed in the past twelve years? How many other acts of violence?
Every single day this year more babies will be murdered than the total killed on 9/11. They will be sacrificed on the altar of promiscuity Convenience. And hedonism.
Sickness. Suffering. Sorrow. And death are with us today like on 9/11. And before 9/11.
It reminds me that the wise man was right. “That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. “ Indeed there is a “time to be born and a time to die.” “A time to weep and a time to laugh” “A time to gain and a time to lose.” “A time to love and a time to hate. “A time of war and a time of peace.” (Eccl. 1:9; 3:1-9)
It reminds me that evil exists. The mastermind behind our “day of infamy” on 9/11 is alive and well. No, not Osama Bin Laden. Or Al-Qaeda. But El Diablo. The Devil. He ever lurks seeking to prey on his victims. He spreads lies. Inflects hurt. Harms the innocent. And is always searching for a weakness to get a foothold in heart of the godly.
But I am also reminded that there are still a lot of honorable people in the world. Folks who love their families. Their Lord. And their country. They are the salt of the earth. And they go about doing good. They live in the midst of all this putridity, serving God’s purpose. Following his plan. And pursuing righteousness.
I am reminded that in “times like these, there have always been times like these.” There has always been good and evil. Light and darkness. Bitter and sweet.
I am reminded that it is all in the hand of the Heavenly Father. He is the sovereign Ruler of all. The righteous Judge. The Almighty God. In the hour He chooses, this world will end. Wrongs will be righted. And my work will be done.
And I am reminded that reflection is good. It provides balance. Focus. Direction. And eternal hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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