Twelve Years Ago

September 11

The Apostle John was noted for his tender heart. He had delighted in being at the side of Jesus. Some of the most warm and compelling parts of the New Testament are those passages that came from John’s pen. Even when in exile on the Isle of Patmos, his words were gentle, they were without vindictiveness.

John had much reason to detest his captors. He had seen the Jewish hierarchy conspire with their Roman masters to crucify Jesus, the One to whom he had devoted his life. He had seen his brother James executed by them as were his fellow disciples. He alone remained of them when he wrote the Book of Revelation.

Yet, he was able to look beyond the hatred and treachery of men to see their need for the Savior’s love and forgiveness. He was able to reach out to them with the words that had healed his soul and could heal theirs. On this Eleventh of September, may we who believe do the same. May we forgive. May we be wise and cautious. May we guard ourselves militarily.

May we guard our minds against the deception for which our enemy is noted, and, above all, may we lean on the Lord for His protection from our enemies who wish to destroy us. But may we, like John, “Look at how great a love the Father has given us, that we should be called His children!” I John 3:1, and may we extend that love to even our enemies—and pray they become our brothers.

September 11, 2001 was not just a day of treachery, it was not just an opening salvo of a world view whose goal is the overthrow of every opposing point of view—particularly the religion and culture of the West. No it was a continuation of the war that began when marauding desert raiders stormed from the dry wasteland where they abode to impose their barren belief system upon those they could conquer in battle.

Their goal has not changed, though their methods have adapted to modernity. They still kill, steal, and destroy in order to attain the end they pursue. Though we must remain vigilant against their insidious intent for mankind, we must never lose sight of the fact that Jesus loves them and that His blood was shed that they might be washed clean of their murderous intent and transformed into people of love for and faith in the One, true and living God.

May our prayers ever rise to the Lord’s throne of mercy and grace in their behalf. May they discover the Savior who died for them and may His love turn them from being men who love death to life men who embrace eternal life with Christ.