Is God Judging America?

I can remember when the second plane hitting the World Trade Center. It was a surreal moment for everyone. Starring at that TV, I can recall the shock on my Mom’s face. I was Homeschooled and She explained how there would be no more school for that day since this was an Historical event. I can remember watching the news all day as they discussed what had taken place. We were able to see how a normal day can change due to people’s decisions.

During any tragic event people will ask the question, “Is God judging America?” They saw this horrific event and wondered if this was God’s doing. As I remember this event I want to let you know that this was not God’s punishment.  Picture this, Bin Laden sitting hunkered down in some cave. As they are giving him food, they also give him a TV which shows what happened. Someone on the TV explains, “God is judging America.” These terrorists sit back and say, “Amen! Preach it! We were doing ‘god’s’ will.” Can you see the error here? My friend, God doesn’t make plans with terrorists. The reality is that in this life we all have choices that we can make. We all have free will in this life.

Hebrews 9:11 tells us, “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come…” Some see the future as going darker and darker. Some saw this as a sign of bad things to come. Yet Hebrews 9:11 tells us we have a high priest of good things to come. Some expect bad whereas Christ wants us to look for good things to come.

As we can remember 9/11, keep in mind the value of decisions. Why do bad things happen? Because we live in a fallen world with fallen people. In life we have many firefighters and police officers who give their life for others. They do this because of their heart. On the flip side, there are many people who do the opposite because of their heart. Jesus once said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). Christ was punished so that we would not be. As believers in Christ, God is not judging us for sin. The Bible record no punishment towards a believer after the cross. Why? Because there is now life. We have been forgiven and set free!