(Title of the Alan Jackson Song)

     This September 11^th is the 20^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  Alan Jackson, the Country Music Singer, is a believer, and has a new album of Hymns that he has always loved to sing.  I hope he will forgive me for using some words from this poignant song. The title above is a song that he wrote following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Just a few of the words in the song:

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
Pray for the ones who don’t know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?

The Chorus:

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN
But I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love.

     If you were alive that day back in 2001, chances are you can still remember exactly where you were and what you were doing on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.  Did you wonder why someone so hated this country they would do such a horrible thing?  Were you changed in any way when considering the tragic deaths of so many and the families that were mourning? Perhaps your prayer life improved.  Perhaps you called loved ones with whom you had lost contact. Perhaps you sat in church and heard words from the Bible that comforted.

     Fast forward to what happened on the other side of the world on August 26, 2021, just a few days ago.  Once more we saw pictures that touched our hearts. Again, our thoughts turned to the fact that this country could be hated to this extreme by those who do not worship the one true God.

     I saw a comment from a friend a day or two ago that said ‘things are lining up’.  He was referring to the end time prophecies. If we believe that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will soon call His church out of this world, does that prompt us to be more conscious of our daily living, of our prayer life, of our love for others?

     1 Peter was written by the Apostle, Paul, to the Roman Provinces. Chapter 4: 7 – 11  But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. ⁸ And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” ⁹ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

     The verses prior to v. 7 seem to be speaking of what we are seeing in our country today and all around the world.  This country was founded on Christian Principles.  The foundation of our Constitution is based on the teachings of the Bible.  The verses following v. 11 encourage us. We are even told to rejoice. But it seems that we, as a country,  have drifted far from serving the One TRUE and LIVING GOD.

     As Christians that believe the teachings of the Bible, we have the wonderful hope of Salvation because of the shed blood of Jesus that bought us eternal life.  He paid the price for our sin. He arose from the grave. He ascended into Heaven. He sits at the right hand of God interceding for us. (What a marvelous thought.)

    Looking back on the Sept. 11th that happened 20 years ago and seeing what happened just a few days ago, should open our eyes. Is God punishing our country? Are we seeing a prelude to the last days?  For the most part, there are many that no longer honor the God in which our founders believed. Polls that ask the questions regarding belief in God and church attendance get very low positive answers. Are we definitely living in the last days?  Events do seem to indicate that, indeed, we are.

     Are you looking up?  Are you listening for the sound of the Trumpet?  Are you prepared to meet Jesus in the air? 

As the last two verses of the 22^nd chapter of Revelation say: “He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”  Amen, Come, Lord Jesus.  The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

 

I don’t usually point anyone to a youtube video, but below is the link to Alan Jackson singing this song so all the verses can be heard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNsfx_4k-JA

 

Sandra Naugle is Co-Editor of the Word & Work,  lives in Sellersburg, IN, and worships at the Henryville Church of Christ in Henryville, IN.