Some Thoughts On The Events Of 9/11

As we look back on the horrible events which occurred on September 11, 2001, we must look at both the negative and positive aspects of these events in order to maintain a balanced perspective.

On the negative side, we mourn the death of nearly 3,000 souls on that fateful day because of the radical religious beliefs associated with Islam. How many of those souls were spiritually ready to meet their Creator? This is a question that all of us as Christians need to ask ourselves every day, and then be able to answer with a confident “Yes.”

If we’re non-Christians, we need to seriously “think” about the urgent need of rendering willing obedience to the God of all living (Romans 6; Acts 17:22-28), for there will indeed be a coming judgment (Acts 17:30-31; cf. John 12:48; Romans 2:16; Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

On the positive side, perhaps we need to look at the events of 9/11 as a wake up call from God, and get to work doing the Lord’s work (1 Corinthians 15:58; cf. Luke 2:49) before our Lord returns to claim His own (1 Thessalonians 4:11-18).

While we continue to mourn the passing of those brave souls due to the events of 9/11, and while we pray for the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) to help the affected families endure the loss of their loved ones, may we as followers of Christ, “hold fast the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13), teaching that saving pattern to others (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:1-2), so that when our loving Lord returns, we will all be “ready” (Matthew 25:10) to ascend to that heavenly abode prepared for us (John 14:1-3; 1 Peter 1:3-4).

Our Lord may come at any time, therefore, along with the apostle John, let us say, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets