1-Year Anniversary of the September 11th attack on the United States

It has been more than a year since the September 11th attacks on the United States. I thought I would have more to say on this solemn anniversary, but words still feel inadequate. Our nation seems to be entering a season of preparation—readying for a coming war against Saddam Hussein in Iraq. The NASDAQ has fallen to six-year lows, unemployment hovers near 6%, and unrest grows across the globe.

In Israel, more than a dozen innocent lives were taken this week by murderous Islamic suicide bombers—souls who have tragically dispatched themselves to Hell. In response, Israel has nearly leveled the terrorist Yasser Arafat’s headquarters in Ramallah. Here at home, nearly fifty Americans have died from the West Nile virus this summer. The government is even considering voluntary smallpox vaccinations. Over half the nation is suffering from the worst drought in decades, perhaps a century. And sadly, church attendance is now below pre-September 11th levels.

People everywhere are asking, “Is there any hope?”

The truth is, God’s judgment is also His mercy—though many do not recognize it that way.

A Revelation About the Third Day

While driving the other night, the Lord brought a revelation to my heart through Scripture. The body of Jesus Christ rose in a new, incorruptible, glorified state early on the Third Day. So it will be with the Body of Christ—the true Church. On the Third Day, the Church, made up of believers in Christ, will also be given new, incorruptible bodies and rise to meet Him in the air.

The Rapture is closer than ever. Yet we must remember: no one knows the day or the hour—not even the angels. But make no mistake—it is near.

I believe the Third Day has already begun.

Hosea 6:1-2

“Come, let us return to the LORD.
He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us;
he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.
After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.”

2 Peter 3:8-9

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends:
With the Lord a day is like a thousand years,
and a thousand years are like a day.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish,
but everyone to come to repentance.”

If a thousand years is as a day, then two thousand years—roughly the time since Christ—represent two days in God’s sight. We may now be living at the dawn of the Third Day, when judgment and mercy will meet, and the faithful will rise to live in His presence forever.