9/11
I was standing at Nick Hahn’s desk in a Greene County office. He was graciously helping me with a technical matter. Behind him was a small TV. I watched as an airplane went into a building. Was it a movie? Was it science fiction? Nick and I watched together as a second plane penetrated another building and a new era of terror began.
Where were you when you heard of these terrible events? Everyone seems to remember.
In the weeks that followed there was dialogue with an esteemed mentor of the University of Virginia. We talked about current events and how social life in the United States would change. I observed: "Everything will change. Nothing will be as it used to be!"
He cautioned me to understand that not everything would change. Academically, much would be the same as it had always been.
There is truth in what my mentor said. Much does remain the same. However, the change has been dramatic, and the lens by which we view even the normal is different.
Soon after September 11, 2001, the Lord impressed upon my heart a prophetic sermon which I preached the following Sunday. Several basic points deserve review.
Even the stable will be shaken. Think of society as a group of circles. The inner circle is the most stable citizens. The outer circle is persons mentally and socially dysfunctional. As the merry-go-round of society speeds up, the persons on the outer perimeter will be flung off. When the inner core citizens are shaken, then all of society will be affected with symptoms of insecurity and fear. These reactions will be manifested in increased desire for immediate pleasure and willful disregard of group rules. There will be a growing insistence of immediate gratification, even at the expense of others.
Some persons thought to be stable will act out behaviors totally erratic and inconsistent with their professed lifestyle. People will walk off from good jobs because of petty issues, and not know where their next paycheck will come from. People will up and move to new cities, uprooting families, without seeking any counsel. People will walk out of marriages, relationships, friendships and churches without saying "goodbye".
Some will rebel against all authority, including spiritual authority. In an attempt to control their life in a world that seems to be out of control, they will insist that their voice be the loudest voice. They will defy any and all who would offer guidance or counsel contrary to what they want to do.
Churches will be divided between those that are concerned about pleasing congregants and those that have a world vision. The dividing line will be personal ambitions. Many ministers, congregations, and paraministries will become even more determined to make God a provider of "blessings". Ichabod will be written over the doors of churches and hearts that fall into vain and selfish religion with no passion to "go into all nations and make disciples" (quote exact from Matthew 28).
On the contrary, there will be a growing army of spiritual warriors sold out to bear their cross and follow Jesus. The fire of Pentecost will belong to the latter group.
Crossing over 25 years as Senior Pastor of Covenant Church, we celebrate this week our journey together. We have resolved that while events in our world have changed dramatically, we will continue to preach the Word, live the Word, and minister the Word. Our commission and duty is made clear by Jesus Christ. We are to go into all the world and preach the gospel and make disciples for Jesus. We are clear on vision and mission. We are bigger than geography and culture. We understand there is no terror like sin. When hearts are changed at the Cross of Calvary, there is peace.
The more our world shakes, the more we dig in. We will not move. We will not flinch in the heat of the battle. We will not withdraw. We will not retreat. We are soldiers of the Cross. Sold out. Blood bought. Heaven bound.
One day Our King Jesus will sit on his throne in Jerusalem. He will rule in peace!
Not afraid, but excited and hopeful, with love--
Pastor Bare