9/11 at the Pentagon

This 9/11, Janet, Jettie, and I will be at the Pentagon memorial erected after the attack that destroyed a portion of that grand building in 2001 taking 125 lives on the ground and 64 on American Airlines Flight 77.

In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus addressed two terrible events taking lives of those “innocent” (OK, OK – nobody is innocent before a holy God – I know!).  In one case, it was death at the hands of a crazy – a mass shooter, if you will.  The other was death caused by the collapse of a building.  Both situations resulted in funerals, grief, anger, and questions.  The chief question being, as is true yet today, “Why?”  So, what was Jesus’ answer?  “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”  What?

Jesus did not explain or blame.  He told all those listening that what happened to those slaughtered by Pilate or crushed under the rubble did not die because of a gross sin on their part bringing on God’s wrath.  In essence, He told those yet alive they were not alive because they were more pure or less sinful.  Jesus told all listening to learn an important lesson – death lurks and you may be next!  Today is the day to prepare for your sure demise.

Those 53 people (not counting the bad guys) along with 6 crew that boarded Flight 77 that beautiful fall Tuesday had no idea it was their last morning on earth.  Those 70 civilians and 55 military personnel who reported to work at the Pentagon that Tuesday had no clue their morning cup of coffee, hellos, and morning briefing would be their last.

The stark truth is that we all face the grim reaper – we all have an appointment that we will keep!  We are all under a death sentence. And because Moses says that we might have 70 to 80 years is no guarantee for any of us.

This past summer we experienced the high speed fiery wreck taking the lives of 4 teenagers then a few weeks later two children were killed while “innocently” sitting in their vehicle at a stop light.  We ask “Why?” and Jesus says, “Repent!”

I have a couple of 9/11 verses to ponder:

You have heard this one from me:  Psalm 9/11 (5) (actually 91:15)  He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.

Your 9/11 cometh!  It might be death of a loved one, given the “C” word, being severely burned, or given a pink slip.  What do we do?  9/11 (5) instructs us.

9/11 was an attack on our dear country and ever since we have been at war.  If we are truly concerned about our country, we are serious about Proverbs 14:34, Righteousness exalts a nation.  We must be serious about living lives holy, prayerful, joyful, and thankful before God and the world.  The answer for our country starts with us.

Righteousness can be found in these 9/11 verses from Psalm 119:

9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

So what does righteousness look like?

1. We deal with sin, rebellion and selfishness per God’s Word.
2. We memorize God’s Word so to resist temptations that cause sin.

Compliance with these 9/11 verses could possibly spare us from another 9/11-like event.