I clearly remember where I was on 9/11, ten years ago. I was buying AAA batteries in the Radio Shack on Highway 93 in Whitefish, MT when I saw it on one of the TVs they had on in the store.
Ten years later, we are still dealing with the aftermath of that horrible event. We are in a war because of it. People live in fear because of it. Many people despite Muslims because of it. And that, I think may be one of the greatest tragedies of the whole event.
Don’t get me wrong. I am grieved over all the lives that were lost on 9-11, and in the ensuing war. I support our troops in every way possible. I love my country. I love the people of the United States. I think this is the best country in the world, and I thank God every single day that I was born here. Someone has said that being born in America is the equivalent to winning the lottery of life. I couldn’t agree more.
And yet I am troubled by the hatred that many feel toward Muslims because of the events that happened on 9-11. I was troubled then, and ten years later, I am still troubled.
I think that what happened on 9-11 was a terrible event, but I often wonder what Jesus wants our response to be. Somehow, I just don’t think that response would have included bombs. Remember when the disciples wanted to rain down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village for rejecting Jesus (Luke 9:54). Jesus rebuked the disciples and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.”
Of course, just a few verses later, when Chorazin and Bethsaida reject Him and His followers, Jesus announces judgment on them which will be greater than what happened to the people of Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon. But He doesn’t actually call down this judgment right then.
What am I saying?