With profound grief in our hearts, for the enormity of suffering inflicted by the reprehensible acts of terrorism such as that on September 11, 2001,
Bible Students around the world feel compelled to express sympathy and sadness to all affected.
Whether terrorism explodes in the U.S., Israel or elsewhere--the mere words are unable to convey the torrent of emotions from the victims. Yes, violence is bound to increase. Why? The Bible foretells that increasing hate and greed in the human heart would escalate into the devastating worldwide violence of our day. And though the threat of terrorism is not over, there is...
... A Ray of Hope through the Clouds of Trouble
The Scriptures not only predict the trouble--but also offer substantial hope beyond the fire and terror. God's Word predicted that a great increase of knowledge would be accompanied by an unprecedented "time of trouble" (Daniel 12:1,4). During this unprecedented trouble, "the weak say I am strong" (Joel 3:10). Just so, a few–"the weak"–have terrorized The Superpowers of the world. During the 20th Century, 175 million were slaughtered by the "politics of insanity." Yes, we are living in this unparalleled time of trouble and peoples’ "hearts [are] failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming..." Luke 21:26
As a loving Father, God is deeply grieved with man’s inhumanity to man. But man’s extremity will be God’s opportunity. Psalm 76:10 states that the "wrath of man" shall one day praise God. Divine wisdom is overruling man’s vice, graft, corruption, power politics, discrimination and exploitation to shake all nations. Finally God’s Kingdom will fufill the legitimate "desire of all nations" (Haggai 2:7). Because Jesus died a "ransom for all" (1 Timothy 2:6)–peace, life, economic security, vigorous health and freedom from fear are some of the blessings God’s Kingdom will bring to all peoples. Just as the trouble and terror of today were prophesied, the resurrection of all who have ever lived is also assured in prophecy. That means all those who perished in the bombings will be reunited with their loved ones. 1 Corinthians 15:22
Let us all continue to pray together–
"Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven."
