Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Mighty Do Fall

Scripture Passage that Caught my attention today: Revelation 18:9-10 And the kings of the earth, who committed fornication and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning; 10 they will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,
“Alas, alas, the great city,
Babylon, the mighty city!
For in one hour your judgment has come.”

Observation: Prior to 9/11, most of us would have a hard time visualizing this passage. Not any more.

Application: In the Bible reading plan that I use, this passage is always read on September 13th which, of course, falls only two days after September 11th. I’ve probably reflected on it before, though I don’t recall for sure and am too lazy at the moment to look back through my old journal entries to see. Besides, today’s reflection is today’s reflection, whether I’ve reflected on it before or not!

Be that as it may, ten years ago in less than an hour each of the twin towers was hit by a plane. Setting aside, for the moment, the tremendous loss of life that came with and after the event, the symbolism itself of the twin towers first burning and then disintegrating will most-likely be forever lodged in many a person’s mind. Even the most patriotic of folks would have to admit that we took a very big hit that day. The city that never sleeps had just experienced a nightmare in broad daylight.

Lest there be some confusion, I am neither suggesting or rejecting the possibility that we experienced a form of judgment that day. A case could certainly be made for either side of that argument. Instead I am simply noting that the vision of verses 9-10 of Revelation 18 is easier to visualize in light of our own country’s experience of 9/11, even though I believe Revelation’s visions were largely a description of events in another time and place. In every generation there are mighty who fall.

Prayer: Lord, help us all to be humble of heart and confident in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: Ezekiel 33-35 and Revelation 18)

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