As I write this, people remember the tragedy of 9-11 which occurred 10 years ago. Where were you when you first heard the news? I was driving to work in my car when I turned on the radio and heard about the shocking event. We were glued to our TV for days as the events unfolded and the number of victims mounted. We heard horrifying stories of those caught up in this disaster and tales of love and charity as Canadians opened their homes to stranded American travellers.
Later Canadian troops headed to Afghanistan and we lost many Canadian lives on their soil. Many others suffer from injuries and post-traumatic stress. There was a huge financial cost too. And we are reminded of the event every time we board a plane or cross the American border with the tightened security.
This is no surprise.
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." (Matthew 24: 6-8)
Mothers know the pain of childbirth. Some say it is like passing a watermelon! But after the pain comes the joy of bringing a new life into the world. And that is what is coming - a new life to this world, a new life for everyone.
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' (Revelation 21: 1-4)
So when we grieve over the injustice in this world, know that change is coming, and it is good news! King David who knew injustice and personal loss wrote, "You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror." (Psalm 10: 17-18)
We remember the days of terror but we will also remember the days of eternal peace.
