Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. (James 4:14)
It was 25 years ago today when a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda was launched against the United States. The number of deaths were 2,996 (2,977 victims and 19 hijackers who hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon and because of the quick action of some brave passengers on the fourth plane, it never reached its intended destination, crashing instead in a field in Pennsylvania). Let today be a reminder not of murder and terror, but of courage, heroism, and a love that willingly laid down its life for others.
Since that fateful day, for those who travel by air, the security rituals are constant reminders that regardless of where we are heading . . . to a business meeting; on vacation with our family; to a special event with friends; to a graduation ceremony of a family member . . . we are not as secure as we once thought we were in America. Which is why faith is the best way forward regardless of our mode of travel and the destination to which we are traveling.
Regardless of what it might seem like to the watching world, our God is in control of all things. He is not asleep on His throne disconnected from His creation like some distant deity. He is sovereignly controlling all things to accomplish His purposes and even using the sinful acts of man along the way. When Adam and Eve rebelled against God, sin stained everything, but God did not leave them in their sin. He promised to send a Savior who would take the penalty of our sin to bring us back into relationship with Him. And along the way, God has promised to work all things together for the good of those who love Him.
If that is you today, you have nothing to fear. For the moment we are absent from the body, we shall be present with our Lord. He who gave us life, has promised new life for all those who will trust in Christ alone for salvation. Only the Christian can face this uncertain world with the confident assurance that He who began a good work, will bring it to completion. 9/11 drove a nation back to its knees, if for just a moment, and each year it causes many to pause and consider both the uncertainty and the brevity of life. Yet, for the Christian, there is one thing that is absolutely certain – nothing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Let us thank Him today for that truth that transforms a human heart from fearful to faithful.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 