September 12, 2016
…All this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to Your truth. Daniel 9:13
As I look back on 9/11, I vividly remember—in fact, I will never forget—watching that awful day of terror unfold on my television screen. Viewing the destruction, I embarked on a roller coaster of emotions, weeping for days in horror as I listened to the stories of death and loss and inconsolable grief. Then I would be momentarily uplifted by the stories of almost superhuman heroism, strength, compassion, and sacrifice. Only to be plunged back down again by scenes of memorial services that unveiled the raw grief of family, friends, co-workers, and fellow responders.
I believe today, as I believed then, that the attack on America was a harbinger…a screaming warning shot across the bow…a 10-bell alarm… if not to all of our nation, then certainly to the church–to those of us who call ourselves by God’s Name. Christians. I believe it was a clarion call to wakeup, to return to God, to repent of our sin and recommit to living our lives for the glory of His Name and for the Gospel. But instead of waking up, we became inclusive, tolerant, and politically correct as we compromised the Truth so as not to be offensive or divisive. The result 15 years later? Just as the twin towers imploded before my eyes, I am watching as our nation implodes morally, spiritually, and in just about every other category.
I recall Dr. Henry Blackaby’s words as he mused out loud, If 9/11 doesn’t wake us up and put us on our knees as we return to God in repentance of sin, what will it take? The answer to that question brings a chill to my spirit. Which is why, once again, I am falling on my knees, asking God to search my heart to see if there is any wicked way in me, then asking Him to, Give ear, O God, and hear; open Your eyes and see. I do not make requests of You because I am righteous, but because of Your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! Please! Heal our land! For the glory of Your Name. (Daniel 9:18-19—my paraphrase)
