Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matt. 5:9
Lord Jesus, it’s here again—the day with its own dark branding, “9/11.” There have been many days in history that stand out as graphic expressions of the nature of evil and the need for redemption. September 11, 2001 is on that list.
I’ll never forget what Darlene and I felt, watching the twin towers of the World Trade Center crumble to the earth. It was chilling, frightful, and surreal. And unfortunately, it happened on Darlene’s birthday.
But as we remember that day of extreme terror and trauma, even more so, we choose to remember you, Jesus, and the glory of your now-and-coming Kingdom. In full view of evil’s worst expression, you provided the greatest redemption. And now, you call us to work for peace—a profound hope, not Pollyanna hype.
We believe this because Jesus you are the Prince of Peace—the archetypal Peacemaker. You have come to restore broken things and make all things new—to bring New Creation delight from old creation decay.
Your death on the cross was the ultimate “peace sowing.” As you died, taking the judgment we deserve, our Father planted you as the “seed” which secured an eternal harvest of redemption and restoration. Your death was the death of death; and your resurrection is the firstfruits of forever 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 human trafficking, international bombast, or hurricanes of any kind. Suicide bombings, suicide, and depression itself, will never happen again.
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, in your triumphant and tender name.
