“The Sealy [TX] News” September 21, 2001

...the Bible tells me so:

Pausing To Reflect

Rocky Whitely, preacher

Horror. Terror. Dread. Fright. Alarm. Panic.

Stunned. Amazed. Astounded. Flabbergast. Knocked out.

Incredible. Unbelievable. Inconceivable. Unimaginable. Unthinkable.

Anger. Fury. Indignation. Ire. Mad. Outrage. Rage. Wrath.

What word would you use to describe your response to the terrorist attacks against our country? I sat completely dumbfounded while watching the events of Black Tuesday unfold. One tower of the World Trade Center in New York City was burning. Out of nowhere another plane hit the second tower. President Bush from Florida announced the tragedy to the nation. A third plane slammed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth plane slammed into the earth in Pennsylvania.

Collapse—one tower followed the other. One hundred ten stories of steel, concrete and glass became six stories of rubble. While the nearby church cemetery lay untouched, outside was a deadly hill, filled with thousands of buried passengers and crews, office workers and visitors, and police officers and firemen.

From a nation at peace to one in mourning to one at war, we made the transition in a matter of minutes. This war will be the most difficult one fought by our nation. Our enemy hides in the shadows. He hides behind innocent women and children. He lets others do his dirty work. We will pay a greater price with our young men.

I cannot remember a time when I have seen more American flags or have heard more renditions of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” Our patriotic spirit woke up on that fateful morning.

The tragedy has had a terrible side effect. Some did not learn the lessons I learned growing up, particularly that America is the melting pot nation. Apparently some consider Americans of Middle Eastern or south Asian descent as enemies, too. Sadly, patriotism is abused.

I cannot remember a time when I have seen more people praying to God for guidance. It was great to see both President Bush and Governor Perry calling for days of prayer. I am glad that more people are seeking God at this time. However, prayer without a changed life for God only makes one feel better.

I am struck by the number of doom and gloom preachers who see this as God’s judgment for America’s sins. While I have pointed to many ways in which our nation has turned away from God, who among us is blessed with inspired knowledge to declare divine judgment? It could just as easily be the work of evil people?

I do know that, while we cry to God for justice, we must be a forgiving people. While we cry to God to punish the wicked, we must be a loving people.

Throughout history, God normally used nations to accomplish His will of punishing the wrongdoers. Notice the words of Paul and Peter:

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” (Romans 13:1-5 NIV)

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)

Surprisingly enough, while they have the right to punish through war, we must always place our trust in God. For,

“No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.” (Psalm 33:16-21)

Solomon, speaking practically, recognized that, when the army goes to war, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:31)

Finally, Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

There is no question that we are the world’s only remaining superpower. We have the strongest army, navy and air force in the world. We have the most and deadliest weapons available. But, if America wants to win this war against terrorism, when we send our troops out in battle, we must always remember to place our confidence in and our reliance on the Jehovah God for the victory.

...the Bible
tells me so:
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2nd & Wallace
church of Christ
201 W. Wallace
P.O. Box 501
San Saba, TX 76877

Articles by

Rocky Whitely