People all over the world, not just Americans, have been plunged into sudden and surreal shock over the horrible events of this morning. We are all reminded of the fragility and vulnerability of life. These are times that test our faith. How do we believe in God's power and goodness in the face of such murderous hatred and such overwhelming grief? Yet, if we do not have faith, if we cannot trust God, we are left with only horror and despair. Nothing less than God's grace can heal wounds--physical, spiritual, emotional--as deep as these. Nothing less than the promise of resurrection can bring hope out of the death and destruction of these unspeakable acts.
We all know that our scriptures were forged in the heat of tragedy. The authors of scripture wrote their words perched on the brink of chaos. The Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians; the Southern Kingdom of Judah fell to the Babylonians; Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated the Temple and executed those who kept the Torah; Herod slaughtered all the male babies in Bethlehem; the Messiah was nailed to a cross. Through all of these terrible events, faith and hope survived and even strengthened.
The initial shock of the explosions, the twisted metal, and broken bodies is not the end of the damage. For months and even years, the nation and world will be trying to pick up the pieces. In some ways, none of us will be the same after today. We pastors will have the duty of helping people to grieve and sort through their feelings. We will need to help our people keep from hating, even though justice must be done. Most of all, we will need to keep the light of the gospel shining in the darkness, so that we do not forget that God's grace has the last word and is deeper and stronger than even a horror we can barely comprehend.
Several scripture texts would be appropriate for a sermon on Sunday, September 16, when this day will be on everyone's mind.
Lamentations 3:1-26 gives an example of how a person of faith struggles with doubt and despair. The devastation of the Babylonian exile has shaken the faith of the people to its roots. The author pours out his grief and even anger at God, but finds an affirmation of faith (vv. 21-26) even in the midst of personal and collective depression.
Psalm 137 was written in the Babylonian exile as well. In our grief and pain over the terrorist bombings, we can identify with the psalmist, who asks how he can sing when life has been turned upside down (vs. 4). How do we worship in the face of billowing smoke on our screens and the anguished wails of by-standers blaring through our speakers? This psalm also contains the important warning not to let hate steep into our souls. This leader of worship in Jerusalem is so distraught that hate sprouts in his heart. He ends up wanting to murder little Babylonian babies. Perhaps this psalm could be paired with another text that more clearly proclaims grace and hope. Psalm 137 could be used to connect with the feelings of the congregation, but grace could be proclaimed from some other part of the scripture, perhaps Revelation 21, or Romans 8 (on this passage, see below).
Isaiah 43 is filled with images and phrases that speak hope in a wilderness experience. Vs. 2 promises that even in deep water or fire, God is present and available. Vs. 5 promises reconciliation (our country certainly needs a sense of solidarity now), and assures us that we need not fear. Vv. 19-20 promises a way in the wilderness and refreshment in the desert.
Ephesians 6:10-20 describes the real depth of evil, a cosmic power that saturates all of creation. Our battle is not just against well-financed and meticulously-prepared human terrorists, but against "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (6:12)." The prayers, faith, hope, trust and spiritual disciplines of the church have real power against evil.
John 1:1-5 acknowledges the darkness in creation. Even though the Word was active in creation, there is still darkness. Vs. 14 tells us that by becoming flesh, the Word took on our weakness and vulnerability. Vs. 5 proclaims that even the deepest darkness cannot extinguish the light brought to the world from Christ, the Word made flesh.
Romans 8:18-39 is a clear affirmation that God's glory will triumph over suffering. As did Ephesians, this passage identifies evil as a cosmic power. This power holds all creation in bondage, creating futility and decay (vv. 20-21). Through Christ, God offers hope. The Holy Spirit sustains us as we wait for the fulfillment of God's new creation. (26-27). Vs. 38 is a majestic assurance that nothing--not even horrendous destruction--can separate us from the love of Christ.
Chuck Aaron