On September 11, 2001, nineteen terrorist based in Afghanistan [15 from Saudi Arabia, 2 UAE, 1 Lebanon, 1 Egypt] from al-Qaeda [Islamic extremists] hijacked four commercial airplanes and sent a message of death and destruction killing 2,977 people from ninety nations. Al-Qaeda sees the United States as an obstacle to their desire for global order under Islamic authority. These extremist see hate and violence as acceptable to achieve their goal. May, by the mercy of Almighty God, this country never become so deeply deceived. Today, please remember the atrocities of 9/11, pray for the destruction of evil and for the grace of God to lead this country and this world in the Truth of God’s love.
In our passage today, David sings about the spiritually lost and lawless state of humanity; it is universal—something we share in common. When a person or group can commit heinous crimes and somehow spiritually justify such acts in their minds, evil and lawlessness is actually lord of the heart. Jesus was sent to guide us into a proper understanding of God, because throughout time humanity has lived ignorantly of his love and righteous standard. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy! He is “slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness” (Ex 34:6). Humanity was originally formed in God’s image, but we love the darkness that leads to lawlessness —violating God’s standard. Yet, if God himself has offered us his mercy, how can we claim to know him and act so unrighteous?
No amount of good deeds can save a soul or ensure eternal life. We must accept the cleansing and redeeming blood of Jesus that was spilled for our sakes. Only then will grace cover us, love fill us, and wisdom provide us with a proper understanding of God. This all flows from the goodness of God. However, let’s be very certain that one day evil and lawlessness will fall before the Lord, give an account to divine authority, and spend eternity without God and where their lawless hearts took them (Ro 14:12).
Psalm 14 NLT A psalm of David.
1
Only fools say in their hearts,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does good!
2
The Lord looks down from heaven
on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.
3
But no, all have turned away;
all have become corrupt.
No one does good,
not a single one!
4
Will those who do evil never learn?
They eat up my people like bread
and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.
5
Terror will grip them,
for God is with those who obey him.
6
The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
but the Lord will protect his people.
7
Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?
When the Lord restores his people,
Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.
Prayer: Lord, we pause today to reflect upon our country’s experience twenty-four years ago when we suffered from acts of evil and lawlessness. Have mercy on sinful humanity and forgive us for not bowing to the Love you offer in your Son. We ask for grace to cover people, love to fill every heart thereby casting down hate-driven evil, and for wisdom to provide us with a true understanding of your heart so we will not allow evil rule of our lives. Please heal hearts and restore them in the Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.