9/11 is a painful and disturbing memory. It is also a stark reminder that evil exists. There is no law, no executive decree, no military action, no speech, no earthly power that can defeat evil. There is only one thing that can hold back the armies of evil – the hand of the Living God, the ruler of the universe!
I have no idea what this anniversary of 9/11 will bring. Perhaps nothing dramatic will occur. Yet, once again, we have seen vivid, horrific reminders of man’s capacity for evil these recent days. It is foolish to think that evil can be restrained by political boundaries or deep oceans. But I do know where evil originates and I do know that God is our only refuge and safety from evil. Even if we are confronted again by some public manifestation of evil and terror, our comfort will remain in God. May our country turn in humility to trust in God.
Paul boldly proclaims that Christ has disarmed the rulers of evil and put them to public shame by Christ’s triumph on the Cross (Col. 2:15) The vestiges and ugly armies of evil will remain until our Lord returns. Choosing to ignore the power of God when facing evil is the ultimate act of arrogance.
Psalm 33 reflects this reality:
No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
Psalm 33:16-19
These are words to give to your children. At this point it appears there is little likelihood that one of our nation’s leaders would offer up such thoughts for our country. Even so, you can bring these words before your heavenly Father. You can pray them with your children. You can encourage those whom you know with these great truths. You and those of your church community can follow the words of Christ and cry out to God to deliver us from evil!
One thought on “Evil & 9/11”
Great words Jay, you’re a terrific writer … great words from Psalm 33 … Yes, evil does exist, orchestrated by Satan, the God of this world, with
the added irony being that September 11th in the Hebrew calender is
Tishiri 1, and on that day, in the year of 3 BC, Jesus Christ was born.