Where Do We Go From Here?
For many of us, we get over the shock. We begin watching regular programming. Next Sunday we'll again watch football games. We get back into our routine of jobs.
For the deceased, there is no tomorrow. They are now part of the ages. Those who died in faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ are part of the Great White Host that the Apostle John saw in his vision from God which he recorded in Revelation. They didn't merit eternal life--not one of us merits eternal life, not one of us is perfect, which God demands. They trusted solely on God's promise of a Savior from sin and that that Savior paid for their sins.
For the survivors, a cauldron of emotions. Those who survived, but lost co-workers, may well have "survivor's guilt." Those who lost family members will grieve. And it is entirely possible that a survivor will meet a family member of one of the deceased. And there may even be strong emotions and possibly a diatribe from the family member against the survivor. Even in sorrow and pain, Satan seeks to separate people from each other and people from God. The survivor(s) in such a situation must realize the anger isn't directed at them personally, but is a reflexive action from their grief and anger.
And there will be many who won't know--for sure--the fates of loved ones and family members as the rubble is slowly cleared and bodies are carefully examined and identified.
Today many likely attended church. Friday night at Salem the building had more people than we've seen on Sunday morning in a long time--and Salem didn't advertise its service! People come to the church when faced with great trauma and suffering and grief.
We will have fears. Already airlines are cutting back on services and laying off employees. One airline, already in bankruptcy reorganization proceedings, decided to "throw in the towel." Economists ask the American people to continue their normal lives--buying goods they planned on buying, buying stock to move the Dow Jones up, not down, on Monday, to continue flying, and other activities. Even the sports world will commence its scheduled games.
Which reminds us that no matter what the tragedy or the severity of death, at most the world pauses and then goes on. Even world leaders can only cause a momentary break in regular events before life goes on. May we take to heart that great or small we are of little significance to the world.
Latest Articles