We are approaching the tenth anniversary of the terrorists’ attacks of September 11, 2001. Most reading this will never forget that terrible day. You remember where you were and what you were doing when the events of that beautiful fall morning changed our lives. Hearing that our nation was under attack was surreal. Most looked on to television sets or listened to radios completely stunned, unsure of what to say or do.
Reflecting back, I remember those first responders that gave their lives in rescue efforts. I remember those who perished in the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. I remember those that perished on the planes that were used as weapons. I remember those that died in the plane crash in rural Pennsylvania in their sacrificial and heroic efforts as they managed to take back control of the plane that was likely headed for a direct hit on the U.S Capitol or the Whitehouse. I remember the courage and compassion of President Bush as he spoke to the nation. I appreciate and greatly value the men and women of law enforcement today that seek to keep us safe in our homeland. I am indebted to the men and women of our armed forces for their diligence in the fight against terrorism.
But, how are we to respond to these events ten years later? Is it more patriotism that we need? Let me be clear, I love America! I love to sing our National Anthem and proudly stand with my hand over my heart whenever I hear it. I am moved when I hear God Bless America or America the Beautiful. I love to hear Lee Greenwood sing God Bless the U.S.A. I am proud of our military and thankful for all who seek to preserve our freedoms. Although it can be an inconvenience, I am thankful for the efforts and good work of the TSA as they detect dangerous items or fraudulent travel documents in airports. While I am patriotic and love our great nation, patriotism is not our most urgent need as we approach 9/11.
How will the church respond as we move toward this historic date? Do we reject those who call themselves Muslims? Not if we are serious about following Christ; not if we are serious about the Great Commission. Muslims are not people to be hated. The gospel is good news for all the people of the earth. The promise to Abraham “…in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” was ultimately fulfilled in Christ. It took the church awhile to understand the full implications of the gospel but eventually they too came to understand that the good news was for all people. So, how does the church respond as we move toward 9/11?
One way we can respond is in learning more about Muslims and befriending them with a view toward sharing the gospel. They, like everybody else, have souls and need to hear the good news that we can know God and have eternal life not by our works but by His grace and faith in Christ alone.
If Christ were walking this earth today, what do you think He would do? By the way, we are the ‘body of Christ.’ We are His hands and feet. Think about it; how are you going to respond to Muslims as the anniversary of 9/11 approaches? What if you prayed for them? What if you befriended them? May God by His grace enable us use this upcoming anniversary of 9/11 to show and tell the gospel.
Pastor Chuck
