(Note: This was written a few days after the tragic events that took place in New York City, Washington, D. C., and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001.)
An uncharacteristically somber group of young people gathered this morning in my Sunday school class. A few days before, they had experienced the harsh reality of what once seemed impossible; in a few terrible moments on September 11, America’s valued freedom and vaunted might were tested by a terrorist strike and “found wanting.”
Sober-minded Christians realize that this tragic occurrence, coupled with increasing violence in the Middle East, is proof of the “perilous times” in which we live (2 Tim. 3:11This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)). While we “know neither the day nor the hour,” we see increasing indications all around that “the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:88Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)).
Our Peace
In the midst of such tumult, peace enjoyed by the children of God remains unchanged because the God of peace and the peace of God remain unchanged. As a beloved brother once said, “I am not afraid as long as He lives and is Jesus.”
The Lord has told us: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:2727Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)). Thus, even in such unsettled times, we may rest on our God’s promise: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-76Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6‑7)).
Heart Response
Help came to New York City from all quarters, and it is touching to see the genuine outpouring of sympathy shown by so many. We have heard of those who, without being asked, traveled long distances at their own expense to get to the disaster site. When asked why they came, invariably their answer has been, “I just want to do something to help.” Such touching selflessness ought to stir our hearts as believers to consider that very same question: What can I, a Christian, do to help?
The Lord’s Grief
In answer, let’s consider first our blessed Saviour’s example. He, ever full of perfect love and compassion, became wearied (John 4:66Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. (John 4:6)) and He wept (John 11:3535Jesus wept. (John 11:35)) because of the suffering, sorrow and ruin man’s sin brought into His creation.
Something would be sadly wrong if we who are indwelt by the Spirit of God did not know how to sigh and grieve at the havoc Satan has brought into this world. And though we are heavenly citizens with a bright future, if our spirits (in fellowship with the Lord) are truly wearied with such ruin, our words and ways will be seasoned with tenderness and grace.
The Lord’s Tears
The Jews that followed Mary and the Lord Jesus to Lazarus’ grave were amazed at His tears. Seeing His grief, their words bore simple, eloquent testimony: “Behold how He loved him.” If we, in spirit, “weep with them that weep,” will that not bear powerful testimony to the love of God that has been “shed abroad in our hearts” ? Souls spoken to in a spirit of heartfelt compassion and concern are far more likely to listen to the gospel message.
Doing Good to All
In writing to the Philippians, Paul gives a wonderful, simple pattern for how Christians can most effectively do good in a world that is in such desperate need. We read: “Do all things without murmurings and reasonings: that ye may be harmless and simple, irreproachable children of God in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation; among whom ye appear as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life” (Phil. 2:14-1614Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. (Philippians 2:14‑16) JND).
If we want to do good as children of God, we are to act first—“appear as lights”—and after we are to speak—“the word of life.” In these dark days the world desperately needs to see the light shining from our lives and hear “the words of this life” (Acts 5:2020Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. (Acts 5:20)).
Acting Like What We Are
Peter calls us “strangers and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:1111Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (1 Peter 2:11)). But does the world see a daily confession by our actions that as strangers and pilgrims we are looking for that which cannot be shaken—“a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” ? May the light brightly shine into the darkness.
If, instead, our lives morally give testimony that this world is the horizon of our hopes, how will the light of that which is eternal, sure and unchanging shine out? And will our words of warning then carry any more power than did Lot’s? May our spirits, actions and words tell out “the glorious gospel of Christ,” both “in season” and “out of season.”
But Don’t Be Fooled
The attacks have generated a tremendous effort by governments to form coalitions against global terrorism. Though such unity sounds good, these alliances attack Christian truth by actively encouraging acceptance and toleration of false gods as equal with the true God who is revealed in Christianity.
This was solemnly seen at the national prayer service (held shortly after the attacks) attended by the President and other political dignitaries. There, the first person invited to lead the huge congregation in prayer to God was an Islamic cleric. Yet, no government has issued a call for prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ—God the Son and Creator!
Political expediency (rather than divine truth) will cause increased persecution to those who “will live godly in Christ Jesus.” Christians who desire to walk in moral separation from all man-made coalitions will be accused of being intolerant and unpatriotic.
Don’t be fooled. The real war waged in this world today is not civilized societies against terrorists. It is Satan and those under his control against “the Lord, and against His Christ” and those who belong to Christ.
Ed.