9/11: A Day We Remember

The passage below is from Psalm 33, which I think of when we face sin, suffering, and pain here on earth.  This world is not our home, but God is still with us.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, 
       on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

 19 to deliver them from death 
       and keep them alive in famine.

 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; 
       he is our help and our shield.

 21 In him our hearts rejoice, 
       for we trust in his holy name.

 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, 
       even as we put our hope in you.

Why do we face suffering and hurt?  Because we live in a fallen, imperfect world.  In Jesus' day the Tower of Siloam fell without warning.  It killed 18 people with no rhyme or reason.  It wasn't  a punishment or a sign from God, it was simply the result of living in a broken world. Jesus used this story from history in Luke 13:4 to remind us that we can have a future without suffering.  A perfect future awaits us as a refuge from an imperfect world.  But a perfect future is not for everyone.  Jesus says, "unless you repent you too will all perish."  When we live in the wake of tragedy on Earth, we are wise to be reminded that the sad events surrounding us have a solution, but only through eternal life in Jesus Christ.