9/11 is now 15 years behind us. It was a world crime as much as one for the USA. It is hard to imagine anyone not being impacted by this act of terror. It is hard to imagine ever forgetting it and putting it behind us completely. Who would want to NOT remember and honor both the dead, the wounded, the grieving, and the heroes from that day?! It is a part of who we are as much as December 7, 1941 and November 22, 1963 are in our history.

Our scriptures today bear upon this national occasion in several ways.
(1) God is always before us and is always addressing us as both sinful and as beloved.
(2) God wants no one left out. No one lost. Just as first responders look for each and every one who is in trouble, so does Jesus look for everyone to be found, everyone to be safe. Even one sheep out of 100 is worth finding even though 99 others are secure.
(3) When in doubt and questioning the pain and suffering in the world it is of great encouragement to think upon that which is “eternal, immortal, invisible, wise, deserving of honor and glory forever,” that is…..GOD. I Timothy 1:17.

In such experiences as 9/11 and in hearing the scriptures we are both realists in a fallen world, but also are people who believe that faith, hope, and love will have the Last Word.

Peace be unto you as we Remember and as we leave no one behind in our care and concerns.

Pastor Barry