A picture from 9-11 is seared into my memory. People are running away from the collapsing towers. Covered with debris, the people are gray, the whole photo is eerily gray. Their faces show the panic, the terror, as they literally run for their lives. Do you remember that photo? Do you see it in your mind?
The memory reminds us that our fragile lives depend upon the Sustainer of all things. God instituted government for the care of all people (Romans 13:1-7). When evil wins, as it sometimes does, Christians direct prayers to heaven and good works toward fellow citizens so “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:2).
People fleeing, gray with debris, scattering in fear… It’s symbolic of what life is like without a Good Shepherd. Take away the facades you and I present the world; aren’t we insecure, scared, “what’s to become of me?” “We older children grope our way, From dark behind to dark before; And only when our hands we lay, Dear Lord, in Thine, the night is day” (Whittier). He who wills the care of all people through government, gives most personally through the church the Good Shepherd of the sheep.
“I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!” (Psalm 70:5).
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