The day the world changed…

I'm speaking of course of September the eleventh. A day which will stand as a historical hinge point. In years to come people will talk about what life was like before that day.

I remember when airports used to be…
I remember when you used to be able to open mail without fear…
I remember when terrorism was a problem for the Middle East…

I've watched the saga unfold for the last number of weeks. I've prayed for victims… for violence to cease… for healing… for hope… and for an understanding of what the response of a worshipper should be.

Allow me to suggest three things to keep in mind as we continue to wrestle forward as followers of Jesus Christ.

1.  DON'T BLAME THE VICTIMS

I know at first blush it sounds silly. Who would ever blame the victims. Yet, I have heard many who have said, "America brought it upon themselves." I won't repeat other comments… comments which don't bring healing, hope or life. Comments which sound surprisingly similar to the religious establishment of Jesus' day.

In Jesus' day it was believed that every bad thing that happened to a person was a direct result of their sin or wickedness(cf. John 9:1-3). Now don't get me wrong – I believe the clear principle of scripture that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). I believe that God is the judge who will right all wrongs, who will give each man, woman, child and nation such as they deserve. But I also believe the balance that Jesus taught in Luke 13:1-5.

In this passage Jesus refuses to attribute tragedy (v. 1) or accident (v. 4) directly to one's sin as the Jews did On the contrary, Jesus affirms the sinfulness of all people and re-affirms the need of every person (those who suffer and those who don't) to seek repentance and restoration with God.

I believe that Jesus would say, those who were victims on the 11th their families and loved ones are not, were not any more sinful, or wicked or depraved than you or I. That we would be wise to recognize that we are not alive because we are somehow more righteous than they. That attitude is false… arrogant… wildly self-righteous --- and as such repugnant to God.

2.  DON'T BLAME GOD

If God… then why didn't He…. If God can't…. then…

That discussion will rage until we see His face. I'll be honest with you. I've been ministering for a lot of years. I've studied scripture… I've got the theology degree… and I still don't have a good answer for suffering. Oh, I know it has to do with our separation from God… with our own selfish desires… with the just wages of sin… but somehow when I stand at the bedside of a dying child those arguments don't seem to help. When I read stories of the wickedness and cruelty of humanity… when people I love who served God passionately pass away… I still wonder why…

I'll tell you what I do believe. In the midst of all the suffering I see… the suffering that I experience…. The suffering that I walk through I believe first that I am still in God's hand. Even in the midst of the pain and sorrow He is in control and at work. I don't understand it… I wish the pain would go away… I long for freedom… like Job, sometimes my prayers are shouts and screams. Like Job, sometimes I beg for a face to face audience with God (so that I can state my case against Him)… Still in all of that I believe He is in control.

Secondly, I believe He walks with me through my pain. He shares my sorrows. He angered by the horrors of child-abuse and random violence… He cries at the suffering of disease and starvation.

So don't blame God – it is quite possible that He will be the only one who will continue to walk with those who are hurting, long after their names fade from the front pages

3.  DON'T USE THESE EVENTS AS AN EXCUSE TO FORGET OUR CALLING

What's our calling?

Love God and love others.

Violence and pain and even terrorism do not change the call of God on our lives.

Love God and love others.

Every response… every subsequent act, comment, deed needs to be run through this filter. Does what I'm about to do express the unconditional, forgiving, grace-filled love of God. Does what I'm about to do say, "You matter to God… and to me!"

Now, I know this isn't easy stuff. I also know that I'm not in a position to make the kinds of decisions like war vs. peace… who lives and who dies… which innocent lives are of more value than others, but I also know that I have a responsibility to remember these three things and to live out my life in view of them.

As always your comments are welcomed...worshiporwhat@canada.com