"The World We Knew Changed"

"The World We Knew Changed"

By: Pastor Jack Schneider

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”  [Ps.46:1,2, NIV]

 The world we knew changed on 9/11/2001. This was my column for the week following:

Tuesday morning, Sept.11, the term “reality tv” took on a new, unearthly definition. Forget Survivor’s petty relationships and Fear Factor’s contrived scenarios.  They paled in comparison to live terrorism and the overwhelming destruction unfolding before our eyes.  Our grandparents listened by the radio when Pres. Roosevelt spoke of “a day of infamy,” yet millions watched Tuesday, in real time, as death stalked America. More than one person would later wonder if Big Brother was a good idea after all.  Perhaps video cameras in public places could have helped prevent such devastation.

It was one of those defining moments in people’s lives. You’ll always remember where you were and what you were doing, and any cultural age of innocence for today’s younger generations is over. Never again will this current society step into an airport or skyscraper without a sense of vulnerability.

For a while, things will be different spiritually, too. For a while, Bible sales will soar, especially among those who fear we might be coming to the end of the world. For a while, worship and Bible study will be up, as people scramble to get their priorities straight and their lives in order. For a while, families will be better at telling one another “I love you.” Who knows when that chance will never come again, or only at the end of a frantic cell-phone call? For a while, even Hollywood will pull back from blood and guts sensationalism. No planes crashing into buildings, no hijackings, no terrorism; look for feel-good movies and maybe even a resurgence of wholesome westerns…for a while.

It’s not surprising. Jesus said in the last days there would be wars and rumors of wars. It’s always been this way, and always will be. Sin has a way of touching every generation with the reality of the last times.

Time passes, however, and wounds heal. Justice will be served. A city will be rebuilt. A memorial will be proposed. And, unfortunately, far too many will once again tuck God away for another day of shock reality. The thing is, we dare not forget that any day without God is as scary as last Tuesday.  He is the only One who can take the shaky, damaged skyscrapers of our lives, marriages, jobs, health and give them balance and support.

Look again at the Psalmist’s words. They don’t say we’ll not be tested or subjected to the evil plans of those around us but, rather, “not fear.” Even in the face of wars, rumors of wars, terrorism and sin. Bottom line, we win.

You want reality? Look to Jesus, God’s own Son, embracing the rough, splintered wood of Calvary. It’s His cross, anchored in love, and it’s for you. It’s free. It’s forever. And the gates of hell cannot prevail against it.

Eleven years later, where are you? Still in the Word, seeking Godly counsel and learning of His grace, telling loved ones how much they mean? Are your priorities straight, or have the words above been scary right as you’re right back where you were pre-9/11? We can’t afford to forget. “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation”

- Jack