It is a quiet day, early in the morning. No new crisis, no new disaster, not a need for urgent prayer. It is a day of solemn remembrance. Yet the world has changed since breakfast. I haven’t heard how or where or who or why, but I will. Early in the morning seventy years ago, people were thinking about the quiet day they were entering. Some were dreading the circumstances before them while others opened their eyes with glee and joy that morning. In a very short period of time that would all change. Those fears and joys would disappear. Marriages which seemed to be in the unstoppable process of being torn apart were suddenly put on hold. Wedding plans would soon be altered dramatically. Babies would continue to be born and people still died, but something was about to change. It was a small quiet America military outpost on an island far away from the peaceful serenity of a rich and powerful nation overseeing its affairs. Early on that morning in December 1941, everything changed.
The silence was broken by the arrival of a well planned and orchestrated military attack in the quietness of Sunday morning. Fear, terror, pain, suffering and death reigned completely for a few short hours. Then resolve, revenge, renewed courage and strength began to rise above the smoke and flames and stench of death. I am reminded of an argument I was a part of many years ago. Loudly and clearly it was said “Go ahead take the first punch. But you had better make it a good one, because when that one is done I’m coming after you and will not quit until I am done”. So it was for those who were attacked. They did not know all the details nor did they care. They were only intent on repaying that first punch. Four years later they stood as a mighty warrior over a cringing defeated enemy declaring “We are done here”.
In the fall of 2001 the calm and serenity of another gentle day was also shattered by the arrival of a well planned and orchestrated terrorist attack. And once again, a few years later America stands as the victor over a defeated and cringing foe. But we remember nine eleven. We remember December seventh, a day which will live in infamy. We remember evil coming and striking the first blow. But it was not enough to keep us down. Enemies of the United States of America should take note. We remember.
For believers there is another enemy who has raised his fist against us. One who knows and believes but chooses to deceive. I remember when he had me convinced that there was no true and living God. I remember when he kicked me down in the dirt showing me how worthless I was when I cried out to Jesus for the salvation He promised. I remember how death and sickness and wickedness and selfishness and lying and threatening came from his kingdom seeking to destroy the grace and love Christ established in me. I remember. And I stand here and now in the presence of the Holy Son of God and declare “We are done here!” No sin, no fear, no temptation he can bring will undo the cross of Calvary. He cannot pickup the precious shed blood of my Savior. His weapons against me are ineffective. I am the bride of Christ.
I remember December seventh and June sixth four years later. I remember September eleventh and May second ten years later. I remember daily that there is no power, tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword which can separate me from the love of Christ. Remember Pearl Harbor and pray. Remember New York and Pennsylvania and Washington and pray. Remember there is one who despises you and pray. Remember the One who loves your soul and pray. Remember.
SMHG John