A Day To Remember

This week we remember a tragedy. On the morning of September 11, 2001, thousands of people went to work in New York City or got on an airplane without any thought of the terror that would soon overtake them. I remember the day well. I was getting ready for a meeting at Westmark EFC. The TV was on as the first plane struck the tower. Then we watched in horror as the second plane hit the second tower. Soon we would hear about the Pentagon and the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. Then as the towers collapsed the magnitude of the horror was revealed. Thousands of men and women, including 343 fire, rescue and law enforcement personnel lost their lives because of the hatred of fanatics who wish to destroy our way of life. It is difficult for us to comprehend why this happened, or why a bridge would collapse sending cars in to the Mississippi River below. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the story of 18 people who were killed when a tower fell on them “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." Luke 13:4-5. Like those who perished on 9-11, they did not expect that would be their last day on earth. Jesus reminds us that like them, we don’t know what day will be our last. We must be ready to meet God. Each of these tragedies reminds us that life is short. Each day is a choice. Will we serve God or will we live for our selves? Will we love our neighbors or will we allow greed and jealousy to control us? Ultimately we know from the scriptures that each one of us has fallen short of God’s glory. It is only by the grace of God through Jesus Christ that we can be forgiven and find hope of eternal life. We must give our lives over to Christ and trust him as our only Savior. The best laid plans of men can fail. The strongest towers can collapse but the word of the Lord stands forever. This week as we remember the attacks let us celebrate the freedoms we have as Americans. May we remember to give all glory unto God our Savior who gave his life for us. And don’t forget to thank those fire, rescue, law enforcement officers and soldiers who dedicate their lives to keep us free and safe. May God bless America.