Where Were You On 9/11?

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (Matthew 24:44 NLT)

On September 11, 2001, all I remember is frantically trying to reach my daughter who lived in New York City, then being glued to the TV with a sense of unbelief once I knew she was safe. “How could this be happening?”

It’s almost surreal to think about it now, but I was visiting my daughter on September 10^th. We had dined in a restaurant near the top of one of the Towers. We were sitting by a window, and I remember how small the people looked walking below. I was getting dizzy as the building swayed back and forth.

Later, as I stood on her tiny balcony, looking around, I asked her: “Honey, where is the Statue of Liberty?” and she responded: “It’s just over there, but you can’t see it because of the Towers.” It would literally have been unbelievable if someone had told me: “If you’ll just wait until tomorrow, the Towers will be a heap of rubble, sending nearly 3,000 people to their death.”

Stories have been told by family members, describing the kinds of mornings some killed in the attacks had had. Most were much the same as every other morning, yet I doubt that any of them suspected that it would be their last day on planet earth? Would they have done anything differently had they known?

Casting Crowns sings a beautiful song entitled “Scars in Heaven.” The words of the first verse say: “If I’d only known the last time would be the last time, I would have put off all the things I had to do. I would have stayed a little longer, held on a little tighter. Now what I’d give for one more day with you.” (you can click the link below to listen to this song)

The truth is, none of us know when that day will be. All we can do is ask the Lord to enable us to be sensitive to those we love on every occasion. We can’t let pettiness or pride keep us from saying or doing whatever we can to make sure those we love the most know it! It doesn’t matter your age, none of us know the day or time of Jesus’ arrival, whether He’s coming for everyone, or just for me or you. Next time you leave, give hugs and kisses. “Stay a little longer. Hold on a little tighter.”

Have you had an argument with someone who is dear? Make it right without delay. Call them! Let them know how much they mean to you. The tragedy is, often we fail to tell our husband or wife; mom or dad; dear friend or relative, how much we love them because of some petty disagreement we had over nothing. Even if they were clearly at fault, tell them it doesn’t matter. Clear the air. Don’t risk going into eternity without them knowing how much they mean to you.

Our family had planned a Thanksgiving gathering at my oldest sister’s house many years ago. My dad had already passed. Mom was all we had left. I called her to make sure she was coming, but there was hesitancy. I told her I’d come to pick her up (about a four-hour drive), but she insisted I not come. With the clarity of hindsight, I now know I should have gone anyway, but I didn’t. That was the last time we spoke. We’re not sure when, but she must have literally dropped dead. Her heart gave out as she was apparently reaching for something in her medicine cabinet.

Some reading these words have put off coming to Jesus. You’ve made excuses for years, thinking you have lots of time. That’s a lie Satan loves for us to believe. Tens of thousands of people go into eternity everyday, very likely thinking the same thing. This moment is the only time in which you can decide about anything. We’re not promised another second. That’s why Jesus urged us to be ready. He said He would come “when least expected.”

There’s nothing – NOTHING! – more important than knowing Jesus and knowing you’re going to heaven when you die. John wrote in 1 John 5:13: “I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.” Please! Please! Don’t wait another second. Yield you life and allegiance to Jesus, then go make things right with anyone with whom you have an issue of any kind. Life it too short. Love is too precious. Eternity is too long!

click link to listen to “Scars in Heaven” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiJUE9Eii0Q)

Blessings, Ed 😊