What To Do When The Towers Crumble

James O. Davis is the founder and president of Second Billion (TM). You are invited to learn more about Second Billion by visiting www.billion.tv.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE TOWERS CRUMBLE

Message by Dr. James O. Davis – Cutting Edge International

A BIBLICAL RESPONSE TO

AMERICA’S NATIONAL EMERGENCY

September 11, 2001 will be the bloodiest day in United States history. Our two biggest and tallest office towers in New York City were obliterated and the Pentagon, a symbol of our military authority, was ripped open like an egg carton. Our commercial jetliners were turned into weapons of mass murder, and we had to stop doing things we always do, from trading stocks, to shopping at the local grocery store or mall, even to going to Disney World.

On this day, people ran through the ash-covered streets of lower Manhattan like extras in a nuclear winter fantasy, chased by a mighty cloud of dust and debris from the office towers they once occupied. Others, many on fire, jumped from 30, 40, and even 80 stories. One couple, among many of them, hands as they leapt. It is estimated that more than 10,000 men, women, and children died within hours.

Even if September 11, 2001, was not our deadliest day, it was surely our worst. Americans are talking of a “second Pearl Harbor” and “an act of war,” but even those comparisons falter. The events of this time are “unspeakable” and are “incomparable.”

What do we do when the towers crumble? What do we do when horrific events come to our personal lives and to our nation? What is a biblical response to this national calamity? In days like these we are reminded what Isaiah said centuries ago:

In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted. (Isa. 30: 25-26).

In the midst of the national tragedy, we humbly suggest several biblical responses. First,

WE NEED TO REPENT OF OUR PAST PATH OF SIN (Isa. 30: 1-14)

Our choices have consequences. Our rebellion has results. In many ways, the results of the recent days are a reflection of the crumbling foundation of America. It is time to reflect and repent. It is time to rend our hearts and not our garments.

We need to repent for America’s stubbornness in rejecting God, His Word, and for heaping up sin upon sin (v.1). We have carried plans that are not pleasing to the Lord. We have formed ungodly alliances that are most dishonorable to God. As a nation, we have heard God’s words over and over, and yet we have ignored them. We need to plead with God to forgive us and restore in us a holy fear and reverence for God’s commands. It is time to repent of our past path of sin.

We need to repent of trusting in man and not consulting God for his help, refuge and protection (vv.2-8). We have trusted more in our land more than Lord, more in our gold and silver, than in our God and Savior. It has brought shame and disgrace upon our nation. We cannot expect the Lord to protect us until we turn back to Him. God, please forgive us, cleanse us and help us to trust you. We need to trust more in our Creator than in creation, more in God’s Word than in man’s wisdom. It has been said, “God is our greatest hope and our greatest threat.” It is time to repent of our past path of sin.

We need to repent for America’s rebellion, deceit, and unwillingness to listen to the instructions of the Lord (vv. 9-14). Our rebellion is bringing us destruction and allowing our enemies to triumph over us. We need to pray that God will restore the walls of his protection around our nation. Over the years, God has sent his message and his messengers, but as a nation we have chosen to listen to the truth. We must always remember that facts may make us smart, but truth will set us free. We are thankful for the Statute Of Liberty in New York City’s harbor, but we also need a Statue of Responsibity in San Francisco’s harbor.” We need to pray that God will grant to us continued liberty, combined with responsibility. Second, when the towers crumble,

WE NEED TO REMEMBER OUR PRESENT PROBLEMS (Isa. 30: 15-18)

This national tragedy provides an opportunity for the Church to serve our people. This is a defining moment for the Church. We need to bind up the wounded, minister to the broken hearted, encourage the despondent, and lead people to Jesus Christ. We must instruct, illustrate, and inspire others by our words, works, witness, and worship in times of great, heart wrenching tragedy.