Today many will remember an awful day in the history of the United States. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the United States suffered a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda. Their goal was to punish and murder those who did not believe in their god Allah. To them, we are called infidels and do not deserve to live. The lives of over 3000 families would never be the same because of their actions. Many children would never know their fathers, some would have to live with only memories. Parents would grieve over the loss of a child and wives and husbands would have the last embrace of their spouse etched in their minds. All because a few men followed a false god that taught hate for those who are different.
I still recall the horror of that day as my husband and I visited the memorials in New York City. As I walked through and heard the calls to loved ones from many who died, and read the accounts from that day, I couldn’t help but tear up. I remember well where I was, and where each family member was that morning. We were scattered in 3 different states and two different countries. It was a horrible day in America.
I remember churches opening for prayer meetings, government leaders giving a plea for all to pray. Churches filled for weeks, as people rushed to God with their needs and pain. However, it wasn’t long until those rushing to prayer meetings begin to go back to things as normal. It was obvious most were using God as a crutch, not as their Master and Savior. They did not seek a change they just wanted relief from their pain and fear.
Maybe, even we as Christians reacted somewhat the same way. While we are not being attacked in the same way today, the threat of people perishing is just as great. All around us people are living for themselves, and one day they will die and perish forever in hell unless we see the urgency for their souls. We have been given the command to sound the alarm. We’ve given the command to spread the good news that God loves them, and Christ died for their sins. Not just Americans, but He loves all people.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
How many will today shed a tear for the victims of 9-11, but give no thought at all to those who will die and go to Hell? That horrific day in history will forever be etched in my mind, but for those who knew Christ, their pain was only brief. They entered Heaven where they were welcomed by Jesus. A place we all long to go, where there is no more pain, and everything is perfect. Those saints will be there to welcome us one day.
While my heart still breaks for the families that lost loved ones my thoughts are turned toward those who do not know Christ. There is still hope for them, but that hope will not be fulfilled unless we share God’s love and forgiveness with them. It is up to us to go and tell.
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
We are the hands and feet of Jesus. Without our actions, they will be condemned forever!
John 3:18 “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
If you would like to read a historical account of 9-11, 2001 you can go to this link. www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks
