Pause to Remember 9-11-01

Most can remember exactly where they were when they heard the news of this devastating attack on our country. I remember the sight of 10- 15,000 college students surrounding me at Liberty University listening to our leaders explain what had occured. the breadth of the situation wasn't made real until we began to see footage of the aftermath. Each began to imagine what it would feel like to have been involved in such an attack directly or to have lost a loved one on that day. Some in the room where I sat had loved ones whose fate was yet to be determined.

The thought that this type of terrorism could occur at any time and at any place in our country has changed our way of thinking. The false sense of security that we enjoyed in this free nation was shattered even if only for a moment. We realized that this could happen again. Our government has dilligently made changes and increased our security in an effort to prevent further attacks, but many still live in fear. We as believers are blessed to know that God is in control, and we have nothing to fear. Even death has hope for us as we know that we will spend eternity in Heaven. That is a sense  of security that others deserve to know. The attack that occured on September 11, 2001 can serve as a very vivid reminder that this world will fade away. This world has nothing to offer us, and, ultimately,  our relationship with Christ is all that matters.

As the Bible says in Matthew 24, we don't know the day or the hour of Christ's return. The trivial things we do each day will hold no merrit upon His return. All that will matter is that we have accepted His free gift of salvation and that we have enjoyed His perfect presence in our lives while here on earth.

Matthew 24:36-44
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

We performed a song this week as a band and worship team in memory of September 11 that I'd like to share with those who weren't at our service. It is entitled "Always"by Kristian Stanfill. Enjoy this song as you reflect on the events of this day ten years ago and reflect on today and the reality of Christ's return.