God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matt. 5:9 NLT
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18 NIV
Lord Jesus, it’s the day on our calendar that 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 what my wife and I felt, watching the twin towers of the World Trade Center crumble to the earth. It was chilling, frightful, and surreal, and unfortunately, on Darlene’s birthday. But as I remember that day of extreme terror and trauma, even more so, I choose to remember you, and the great redemption of your now-and-coming Kingdom.
In full view of evil’s worst, you bid us work for peace, Jesus. This calling is a profound hope, not a Pollyanna hype. We believe this because you are the Prince of Peace—the archetypal Peacemaker, Jesus. You have come to restore broken things and make all things new—to bring new creation delight from old creation decay. Hallelujah!
Your death on the cross was the ultimate “sowing of peace.” As you died, taking the judgment we deserve, our Father planted you as the “seed” which secured an eternal harvest of pervasive righteousness. Your death was the death of death itself; and your resurrection is the firstfruits of eradicated evil, eternal peace, and a perfect world.
Because of you, Jesus, terror is terrified, and trauma is traumatized. Indeed, because of you, one Day there will be no more brokenness or barrenness; no more heartaches or even heartburn; no more human trafficking or human tooth decay; no more war or even irritation; no more bombings or bombast; no more racism, injustice, poverty, or hunger.
That Day cannot arrive too soon. We cry aloud, “Maranatha!” Come, Lord Jesus, come! Until that Day, give us all the mercy, grace, and peace we need to live and love to your glory. So very Amen we pray, with great joy and living hope.