THE TERRORISTS HAVE already achieved part of their objective without even succeeding to destroy several planes along with thousands of people. They were caught before they could inflict this atrocity on innocent lives, but now, once again, millions of travelers have had their plans disrupted. Like it or not, the terrorists have caused millions to change their behavior. Their main weapon was not the liquid bombs they attempted to smuggle on board, but FEAR that causes millions of people to suddenly become potential suspects. Nearly all the passengers that came to the airports of the world on Thursday to fly somewhere were suddenly subjected to the kind of scrutiny normally reserved for criminals coming in and out of prison. Just think of it! Twenty some people planning to bomb some planes out of the sky have caused every one of the 6.5 billion people of the world to be a potential suspect should any one of them want to get on an airplane in the next few weeks. Even mothers with babies are being asked to taste their babies' milk before it could be taken on to flights.
Many of us are not directly affected by this latest round of world trouble, but this week’s events will yet again change the way we live and move. Fear will cause us to take further security measures particularly when we travel on public transport. This is a part of what Jesus said was coming: "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." (Matthew 24:6) Jesus also said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) As Christian believers who have put their trust in God we should not live our lives in fear. We should take the prudent precautions that are available to us against the incursions of evil attacks on our lives. We should thank God for the security that the authorities provide for us and pray for them. But ultimately we live our lives in awe and respect of God and not the fear of man."Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)
*************
The Lord is my light and my salvation
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life
of whom shall I be afraid?
This page was last updated on Friday, August 11, 2006