Revelation 2:10 (NIV)
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell
you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer
persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will
give you life as your victor’s crown.
As we remember the 12th anniversary of the terrorist
attacks on September, 11, 2001, we will most likely be reminded of countless
stories of extreme courage in the face of extreme danger. Stories of investment
brokers who reenter the twin towers, after they had safety within their grasp,
to rescue others; stories of firefighters and police officers giving their own
lives so that others could live; stories of ordinary citizens banding together
to prevent a plane from reaching its intended destination. As we read or hear
more and more of these stories, we encounter some, like that of Todd and Lisa
Beamer, that tell of Christian men and women who exemplified this school year's
theme verse from Philippians 1:20, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will
in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always
Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."
What about us?
2000 years ago St. Paul warned the Thessalonians to be
spiritually prepared – 1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you
have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully
aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While
people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden
destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and
they will not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)
There are plenty of warnings to always be spiritually prepared.
Some warnings are personal like illness or the loss of someone close to you.
Some warnings are evident on a global level such as wars, tornadoes, tsunamis,
or earthquakes. Each event, like the first attack on the Twin Towers, should
remind us to be prepared for the day when we meet Jesus.
So instead of dutifully evacuating a building, how can we
prepare spiritually? Celebrate Easter every Sunday with regular worship. Read
the Bible. Pray. Like exiting the building, they all seem pretty simple, but
they will make all the difference in the end.
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of your son Jesus whose
death and resurrection assures us that we will be with You. Help us to be
diligent in our preparation as we faithfully worship, study your word and come
to You in prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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