Within the last few weeks our country has been devastated with deadly hurricanes, flooding and fires.  All these natural disasters could make the average guy wonder what God is trying to tell us – if there is a God and why would He do this to His creation.

Sixteen years ago, another disaster crushed the spirit and lives of many in a matter of hours.  Lives would forever be changed by an act of insane terrorism and hatred.

What remains?

After 9/11/01 our freedom had been hacked.  Up until that point, we hadn’t even imagined that planes could be used as weapons of mass destruction.  As we watched the devastation unfold on our television screens – we witnessed the ugliness of mankind and the bravery of mankind all in one fell swoop.  In spite of the remaining rubble, the broken hearts, the loss of life, the people came together.  We prayed, sang patriotic songs in our churches, hung flags at our front doorstep and a renewed sense of pride began to emerge from the ashes.

Within those sixteen short years – a nation that said it would never forget, all too soon did.  Every year the names were announced in ceremonial display, but where did the fervor go?  In time it became an ugly memory.

What remains?

During times of trouble we always seem to rally as a nation.  We forget about bias and bigotry for a while and focus on unity. In the storms we’ve witnessed over the past two weeks, we see people pulling together for the good of their neighbors, but how long will it last?  For a while, we will see the good side of humanity.  Soon the ugliness returns as looters taking advantage of a bad situation for their own benefit.  We hear of scammers telling folks to evacuate so they can rob their homes.

What remains?

Times like this should be a reminder to us – a warning of sorts – that the world will not go on forever.  Our days are all numbered.  I don’t consider myself one who would stand on a corner with a sign that says, “Repent, the end is near,” but if we can’t read the signs that greet us each day, will we be ready when Christ returns?

God’s word will always remain.  It has stood the test of time and it is really our only hope; our open line of communication with our heavenly Father.  Martin Luther wrote about it this way.

 The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone,
They yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom our remaineth