A Biblical Response to the Terrorist Attacks on America
(for the purpose of Prayer and Evangelism)
by Dutch Sheets

As we all observe and mourn the results of the recent terrorist attacks on America, the response of the Body of Christ and the way in which we pray could very well determine whether our nation turns toward God or away from God. Sorrow can lead either to bitterness, which perpetuates greater defilement (see Heb. 12:15), or to repentance resulting in salvation (see 2 Cor. 7:10). Measured, accurate and biblical responses from those of us representing God are critical.

How Should We Define the Events?
Great caution should be exercised in using the word “judgment” to define these events. Many Christians understand that America has been experiencing a degree of judgment for some time – sin has wages (see Rom. 6:23). But most biblical judgment is the inevitable, built-in consequence of sin, not the direct hand of God. He didn’t pronounce curses after Adam and Eve’s fall because He was an angry God who loves to curse sinners. He did so because of the inherent results of their actions. And He did it while covering their nakedness and promising redemption, a redemption involving great sacrificial love on His part – the incarnation and death of His Son (see Gen. 3:15).

Also, rather than the direct hand of God, judgments are often simply the result of forfeiting God’s favor and protection. Jonah 2:8 tells us: “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”

A careful and compassionate explanation of reaping, or the consequences of sin and of turning from God, should be our definition of the events. I would advise not even using the term “judgment” because the world will probably not hear anything else we say. Other pertinent Scriptures that could be used to explain the fruit of sin and the forfeiting of God’s protection are:

Psalm 127:1-2: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.”

Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

Proverbs 28:13: “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.”

Isaiah 59:1-2: “Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short that it cannot save; neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.”

(Quoted from website of Church Pierce www.glory-of-zion.org Other passages given are Luke 13: 34-35 and Luke 19: 41-44)

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