Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 258 September 12, 2001
HORROR

The world reels in shock, horror and disbelief over yesterday’s horrific terrorist attacks on the United States.

I watched in stunned silence planes crashing into buildings, the World Trade Center collapsing, parts of the Pentagon burning and more. My mind tried to understand the distorted image of God that would cause young men to think that if they killed and were killed in His name, He and they would be glorified. I couldn’t.

The suspected members of the Muslim faith are not the only one with blood on their hands. Over the years Christians have committed their share of atrocities, including the many crusades. I don’t say that to minimize the horror of yesterday’s evil, but to help us look at our own past and recognize that we are not so different.

Neither God, nor man, is brought glory by violence. The only one glorified by these kinds of acts is Satan. He will laugh and rejoice as our stunned horror turns to anger and then to hatred.

How do we react to such horror? My human response is to say of those responsible, we nuke them until they glow in the dark and then hunt them at night. Somewhere deep inside though, the Spirit says no.

Justice and mercy are God’s to dispense. Our role is to lift up all those affected in prayer. Even the perpetrators of this evil need prayer, perhaps more so than those who died yesterday.

This situation is in need of divine healing. The wisdom of Solomon would not be sufficient to resolve this matter. Only God himself can do it.

God makes a promise to the people of Israel that is applicable to us today:

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 NIV

If the body of believers world-wide turns to Him in earnest, repentant prayer for all those involved, and seek forgiveness for our own sins, He will bring the healing.

Will you join me in praying?

Until next time, may you feel His comfort as you deal with this tragedy. May He bring healing and forgiveness, may we all be forgiven for our disobedience and sin.

God bless.

Kevin