This Saturday, September 11th is the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Do you remember where you were when the first plane hit the world trade center? I was on my way to work and heard it on the radio. When I got to my office, we brought a TV into the main office and watched as the tragedy unfolded before our eyes. I remember one of my colleagues asked; “How could this happen? Where is God in all of this?” Those questions rolled around in my head and heart for days. I wanted answers too.

My personal theology is this: We live in a sinful world. Sometimes we suffer tragedy as a result of our own sin. God still forgives, but the consequences remain. And sometimes bad things happen that have nothing to do with us personally. For example, why does a 3-year-old child get cancer? Why do hurricanes kill people and destroy property? Why are 2996 people dead because some terrorists flew planes into buildings? Where is God in all that?

Again, my personal theology says that God was right there in the middle of it all. On 9/11 God was on the plane that struck the first tower. God was in the tower with those who were dying. God was with the first responders as they ran into the buildings to save as many as they could. God was with the families as they learned of their loved one’s death.

As we remember those lives that were lost 20 years ago, may we be strengthened by God to live lives that honor them and strive for peace in a broken world.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Lu