HT: Scotty Smith
Dear Lord Jesus, it’s the day on our calendar that now has its own dark branding, “9/11.” There have been many days in history that stand out as graphic reminders of the pervasive brokenness of the world; but in my lifetime, no day in American history tells that story more clearly than September 11, 2001.
I’ll never forget how it felt watching the twin towers of the World Trade Center crumble to the earth. It was chilling, frightful, and surreal. But as I remember that day of extreme terror and trauma, I also choose to remember you, Lord Jesus. Otherwise I would stew in despair, give into fear, or be driven to rage.
Lord Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace—the archetypal Peacemaker. You are the one who has come to make all things new, to restore broken things, and to bring new creation delight from old creation decay.
Your death on the cross was the ultimate sowing of peace. As you died, taking the judgment we deserve, you were planted as the very “seed” which has secured an eternal harvest of righteousness. Your death was the death of death itself, and the promise of eternal shalom.
Because of you, terror is terrified, and trauma is traumatized. Indeed, because of you, one Day there will be no terror, trauma or tears. There will be no more brokenness or barrenness; no more heartaches or heartburn; no more human trafficking or human tooth decay; no more war or irritation; no more evil or envy; no more poverty, pouting or pettiness.
Our labors in you, King Jesus, are not in vain. Because of you we can, and must, live as peacemakers—sowing the peace of the gospel of the kingdom, with theabsolute assurance, that a harvest of righteousness is being raised and will be reaped.
We praise you that your name is Redeemer, Reconciler, and Restorer. We cry aloud, “Maranatha!” Come, Lord Jesus, come! Until that Day, give us all the mercy, grace, and peace we need for this day. So very Amen we pray, with great joy and living hope.
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