Last night, I first saw the news on Facebook and then eventually turned on the TV to get the facts...I can't believe it's been almost 10 years since the horrific event that took thousands of American lives.
As most people, I distinctly remember where I was when I heard the news - my (now) 18 year old daughter was 9, my (now) 16 year old was 6, I was pregnant with my littlest and we were in the car driving to school. At first, they were announcing that it was an accident, then the terrorism came into play...then we sat by the TVs and watched as those 2 buildings crumbled, knowing that many, many lives were lost at that moment. We watched New York City pull together - people risking and giving their lives trying to save others; then we watched America come together and remember that we were "one nation under God", as we grieved together.
Last night and today, we have been reminded again of who we are as a nation, as we celebrate in the justice that has finally happened. We know that we serve a just God and that He even required justice to the point of His Son's sacrifice to cover our sins. He handed out punishment to cities in the Old Testament who refused to obey Him...we know He demands justice.
However...at the same time, He shows us such grace - through the gift of His Son and through Christ's life, we see over and over such examples of grace and love for those who may not "deserve it". Like the thief on the cross...when he professed Christ was God's Son, Jesus assured him that they would see each other in paradise. That is a love that goes beyond justice...
So today - as we celebrate this justice - while we rejoice in the fact that this will save (who knows how many) lives, also remember that a soul was lost today. And...yes...he was a horrible man who murdered many (and I am grateful for the justice that was served), but nonetheless, he was a creation of God and he also influenced many other lives that have been and will be lost because they were blinded by His words. So...while we rejoice in the justice and while (I know) we remember in prayer those families who have lost loved ones due to this man's actions, let us also remember those will continue to be influenced by his teachings. Let's also cover them in prayer and ask God to intercept and put things in place that may give them the opportunity to see the truth.
I 100% celebrate this victory today, knowing that justice has been served and lives will be saved. As God's children, we are not only believers in justice, but believers in grace; as we walk through today and strive to live a life of worship today, let's remember both sides of God's character. As we pursue Him today, let's pray that He teaches us how to live in a way that honors Him wholly...give our day as an act of living sacrifice, wholly, acceptable, and pleasing to Him.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom 12:1-2
