The devastation of the terrorists attack grabbed Americas attention
by the nape of the neck. The audacity of the attacks and their incredible destruction
were beyond what most United States citizens imagined anyone dared do, could
do.
The devastation of the terrorists attack grabbed Americas attention
by the nape of the neck. The audacity of the attacks and their incredible destruction
were beyond what most United States citizens imagined anyone dared do, could
do.
Two admirable reactions have been the proliferation of displays of symbols
of patriotism and widespread invoking of Gods blessings upon the United
States.
We expect both reactions during times of crises. Our national family suffers
and we rise against those who perpetrated the horror. We turn to God realizing
our need for His strength. We can be thankful for these responses from a people
who proclaim unity in diversity and “one nation under God.”
The days ahead will remind us that patriotism is more than displaying a flag
in our front yards and on our cars. Hopefully, that will remind us that turning
to God is more than asking for His blessings. In the coming months, our national
government will tell us what substantive patriotism demands. The church will
have the opportunity to proclaim that turning to God involves more than simply
seeking blessings.
Turning to God begins by acknowledging that God is God, and we are limited,
sin-ridden people who have no merit to claim Gods favor. God is holy and
just and we cannot claim His blessings simply because we like to think we are
a good people. Even if we are as good as we have heard over the last month,
we are still a nation of sinners in need of the transforming grace of Jesus
Christ.
Turning to God demands an acknowledgment of our dependence upon Him for all
that is good and right. There is a strong danger that in the midst of our crisis,
we will trust completely our smart bombs, high altitude bombers, superior troop
strength and fire power. We may forget that our strength will be in our faith
and trust in God and the resulting moral and ethical strength. Israel proved
again and again that when they trusted their walls and their spears, swords
and chariots, they failed, even against militarily weaker enemies.
Turning to God involves confession of sin. In all the cries to God during the
last month, there have been remarkably few expressions of confession of sin
and seeking forgiveness. America certainly has much to confess. We may be good
people in our own eyes, but even a cursory look at the declining morals of our
country reveals a great need for confessing and repenting. The evil of the September
11 acts was in the hearts of the perpetrators, but that certainly does not erase
the need for our country to examine its heart and action. If the terrorists
acts cause this country to examine its morality and ethics, the attacks have
“worked for good.”
Turning to God also means praying for our enemies. God binds inextricably His
forgiveness with our forgiveness of others, including our enemies. Our forgiveness
dissolves personal hate and bitterness and the desire for revenge. Forgiveness
does not remove the consequences of wrongdoing, on our part, or our enemies.
Nevertheless, it does remove the rancor and hate and want to see retribution
that is more than an eye for an eye.
Turning to God means offering our petitions to Him. We can come to God and
seek His face, His direction, His protection, His grace and His blessings. But,
we seek them praying at the same time that He answers our prayers, even for
blessings, in ways that He knows best. Our petitions acknowledge that He knows
best.
Change is almost always motivated by pain. Pain is also the mother of growth.
May we not “waste” this time of national crisis by failing to grow.
Grow in our understanding of what truly makes this nation great. Grow in our
understanding of what turning to God truly means.
