Where Was God? (on 9-11-01?)

by Jim Reynolds⁽¹⁵⁾

Where Was God?

Have you ever imagined how it was planned? The act was so monstrously evil, surely it wasn’t discussed in the light of day. No, I picture a small, sparsely furnished room, dim, with pale brown walls. Only a flicker of lamp light twitched shadows across their faces. Middle eastern men, anonymous for now, gathered around a table and plotted the murder of the innocent. Hatred, jealousy, and an extreme misunderstanding of the scriptures fomented into action.

All the pieces were in place. Politically, the opportunity was ripe. Socially, their people were volatile and could easily be swayed. Finances had been secured. Traitors, willing to betray the innocent for a little money and the promise of a “better day,” had been identified.

When almost no one suspected, they attacked with sudden savagery and force. A rather small contingent of men caused a nation to bow in sorrow and horror. In the space of a few, indelible hours, it was over. The images seared into witnesses minds were like a branding iron raising a painful welt. This day, when the world woke up, different, would be written about for years. The innocent was dead, fear and insecurity ruled the peoples’ hearts, and hope seemed shaky at best.

The question was shouted from every heart: Where was God? It is the same question we all have squeezed out from clenched teeth and crying eyes. How could God allow such an atrocity? Couldn’t He have stopped it? Shouldn’t He have prevented it? What was He doing? Where was God?

Beyond the it I just described, we want to know far more personally. Where was God when my baby died, when my spouse was diagnosed with ALS, when my boyfriend left me, when my son left home? Where is God when pain crashes in?

Where was God before? When all of this was being planned, what was He doing? I could have easily been describing the events leading up to September 11, 2001. However, I was actually thinking of something that occurred a couple thousand years earlier, when the only truly Innocent was crucified. What He was doing then is what He was doing on September 10, 2001. In John 13:2-5, during the Last Supper, Jesus “knew that the Father had put all things under His power.” He was in absolute control. According to Phil. 2, He willingly offered Himself as a Servant, becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross. Luke 22:21 indicates Jesus offered forgiveness, through Communion, even to Judas who would betray Him.

Where was God before 9-11, before whatever hurt you face? What is He doing? The same things He was doing leading up to His crucifixion. Humbly, in obedience to the Father’s plan, and out of the greatest heart of love the world has ever known, He was offering forgiveness and newness of life – even to those who would betray Him, like you and me.

What was He doing during? Couldn’t He have stopped it? In different ways, each of the Gospel accounts make it clear that Jesus was the master of His situation every moment. In Matt. 26:53, He revealed that He could call legions of angels to His side if need be. Instead, He surrendered. From the cross, He called out, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” He offered Paradise to the thief dying beside Him. When Jesus died, John chose his words carefully: Jesus “gave” His spirit.

In the middle of the crisis, Where was HeHeHe? In the middle of your pain, what is He doing? Offering forgiveness and every other spiritual blessing that results from His death on the cross.

Where is He now? What is He doing? Do I have to tell you the answer? He is alive, risen from the dead, absolutely in control, and offering forgiveness and love. Today, there will no doubt be solemn observances. We will each remember where we were when we heard – or saw – the towers fall. The thousands who entered eternity – prepared or not – will haunt our memory. Brave rescue workers will be fitly honored.

“We will never forget” has become a rallying cry for those who wish to honor the 9-11 victims. I wonder, though, how many Americans will remember to come to a different Memorial. How many even know or accept the fact that they need to come to such a Memorial?

While the soldiers were still assembling before arresting Jesus, He was eating a meal with His friends, and one enemy. All of them were offered forgiveness and “the full extent of His love.” He instructed us to follow His example: “You should do as I have done to you.” He also called on us to “Do this in remembrance of Me.” I’m not suggesting that we all wash one another’s feet or observe the Lord’s Supper today. I am saying, in your remembrances, don’t forget our memorial. Don’t ignore or gloss over Jesus who died, instead of you and me, who should have.

Where is God? What is He doing when the unthinkable shatters our bublle of protection? He's doing the same things He's done for millennia. He is seated on His throne, in absolute control, calling out to His children, offering forgiveness and love.

Article submitted Saturday, September 11, 2010 & read 125 times.

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