I went to church tonight on 9-11 with not really a thought about it. It seemed the right thing to do in remembrance of the victims and their families. That probably doesn't sound very well for me however, for the past week the tragedy has been everywhere. On the news, in the papers, on the radio and the constant talk. One famous retail outlet has even started a marketing program around it. I might add I think this is atrocious however, this is the Home of the Free (to do what you want) and this sick company is doing so. But, on to going to church.
I went in with little on my mind just going through the motions so to speak. Horrible of me I know but, at least I was there. Pastor began with prayer and then cited some stats. Some were; we took more causalities at Normandy, we took more causalities at Gettysburg, the Japanese took more at Hiroshima, more at the Holocaust, and don't forget Chairman Mao or Joseph Stalin, they murder in the millions. The most chilling was we take more unborn lives nearly every day than we took on 9-11. Needless to say I sat up and paid attention. How could a civilized country forget about the unborn?
Then he went to, why. Why would my/our God allow this to happen. Is He not a just God, a God of Peace unlike the god Allah of the Muslim religion? Our sign is the Cross, that our Savior died on for us. The Muslim sign .......a sword. A weapon to kill those who will not convert. Why would my God allow not only 9-1 but other tragedies like this to happen. He then referred to a little read Book of the Bible, Habakkuk. In my Bible it has 3 Chapters and takes up about two full pages. Not very big and notably not very well know I would think. Habakkuk, short, sweet and to the point. Ask yourself why and think about this.
Chapter 1
2O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! 3Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.
4Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
Is this the way you feel about America and 9-11 today? Is this the way you felt about Katrina and the Japanese tsunami? Did you ask yourself, Why God? Why do all these horrible things have to happen to good people. I have and I must admit until tonight I had no answer only the question. Pastor then went to verse 5.
5Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
My God is at work and has a plan. It is only up to me to believe in Him. It is not for me to question. It is not for me to understand. Yes, I may at some time see the reason but it may not be in this life time. Pastor then went on to Chapter 2 verse 1.
1I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
That's all I have to do. Then finally Chapter 2:3,
3For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
How do Christians understand......we don't. It is best said this way:
Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: "The just shall live by faith." (underscore is mine)
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: "The just shall live by faith." (underscore is mine)
God, please bless America not only on this day but every day though out the year.
Pops.
Bible passages from Bible.com
