He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16, NIV
Today is the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. This week will be filled with memories and pictures of that terrible day when we sat paralyzed in front of our television screens or maybe even stood watching with our own eyes as the day’s events played out. We held our breath fearing what might happen next. Many of our memories are filled with firefighters and police officers rushing into burning buildings without a single selfish thought, determined to get to those who were in danger. They did not stop to think about what might happen to them. They did not hesitate even though they knew they were running into great danger. Some who were fortunate enough to escape with their lives reported their only desire was to get to those who were calling out for their help and that they could not be distracted by their own fears.
We could learn a lot from these heroes. Our world is filled with people who are in danger of perishing for eternity. We hear their desperate cries for help in the search for fulfillment and happiness that cannot seem to be bought or obtained in all their earthly efforts. We need to rush in as those firefighters did, without thoughts of self and worries of rejection, not having all the answers. We do not usually have to worry about losing our lives, so we just need to go to them.
I have seen many interviews of the spouses of those who died in the line of duty on 9-11. What I hear them say is that those who died never could have lived with themselves if they hadn’t gone in, if they had not tried to save as many as they could. They died doing what they knew needed to be done.
What risks are you willing to take to rush to an unsaved soul crying out for help? The fires of hell are burning. What do we stop to think about before we go to witness? What stops us from going? Please take some time in prayer to thank God for those who gave their lives to rescue others on September 11th. Then thank Him for those who go every day to share the message of Christ, so that many may be saved for an eternity.
Lord, we ask You to lead us as we remember 9-11. May we be brave and step out when we feel Your Spirit nudging us. Please bless those who are guarding our nation right now from those who would plan harm. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
Copyright Kathy Branzell.
Kathy has a heart for encouraging Christian educators and currently serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Prior to this role, she was the founder and president of Fellowship and Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators.
