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 how I felt watching the twin towers of the World Trade Center crumble to the earth. It was chilling, frightful, and surreal. But as I remember that day of extreme terror and trauma, more importantly, I choose to remember you, and the eternal peace of your now-and-coming Kingdom.
In full view of evil’s worst, you bid us work for peace. Such a calling is hope, not hype, only because you are the Prince of Peace—the archetypal Peacemaker. You have come to restore broken things, make all things new, and bring new creation delight from old creation decay.
Your death on the cross was the ultimate “sowing of peace.” As you died, taking the judgment we deserve, you were planted as the very “seed” which has secured an eternal harvest of righteousness. Your death was the death of death itself; and your resurrection is the firstfruits of eradicated evil and eternal shalom.
Because of you, terror is terrified, and trauma is traumatized. Indeed, because of you, one Day there will be no terror, trauma, or tears. There will be no more brokenness or barrenness; no more heartaches or heartburn; no more human trafficking or human tooth decay; no more war or irritation; no more bombings or bombast; no more poverty, pouting or pettiness. Soon, Lord, soon… please.
We praise you that your name is Redeemer, Reconciler, and Restorer. We cry aloud, “Maranatha!” Come, Lord Jesus, come! Until that Day, give us all the mercy, grace, and peace we need for this day. So very Amen we pray, with great joy and living hope.
