With profound grief in our hearts for the enormity of suffering and loss inflicted by the dastardly act of terrorism of September 11, Bible Students around the world feel compelled to express deep concern. Whether terrorism explodes in the U.S., Israel or elsewhere-mere words are unable to convey the rent emotions of the victims. But terrorism will probably increase. Why? God in His foreknowledge could look down to our time and see the hate and greed in the human heart that would escalate into devastating worldwide violence of our day. And God Cried.

Is There Hope?

The Scriptures not only predict the trouble-but 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 Superpower of the world. During the 20th Century, Brzezinski (former National Security Advisor) observed, that 175 million were slaughtered by the "politics of insanity." Yes, today we are living in unprecedented trouble. As a loving Father, God is deeply grieved with His wayward children.

But there is a ray of hope. Man's extremity will be God's opportunity. After man's vice, graft, corruption, power politics, discrimination and exploitation shake all nations, then God's Kingdom will bring in the legitimate desire of all nations (Haggai 2:7). Peace, life, economic security, vigorous health and freedom from fear are some of the blessings His Kingdom will bring to all peoples. That means all those who perished in the bombings will be reunited with their loved ones. 1 Corinthians 15:22

Let us all pray--"Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven."