10 September 2023. The Journey Begins
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR A
God’s Passover Reward 9/11 and the Passover
Today, I want to delve into a comparison that may seem unusual at first glance. Still, it carries a profound message for us all: how America's 9/11 tragedy compares to the Bible's Passover in Exodus. While these events are separated by millennia and vastly different in nature, we can draw lessons that offer us hope, healing, and a deeper understanding of God's presence in our lives.
When You Look at Exodus, specifically, Exodus 12:1-14, you delve into the powerful message of Passover and how it speaks deeply to the relocation and reformation of our souls and our role in bringing God's Kingdom revolution into the here and now.
Exodus teaches every generation, and its imagery has fueled revolutions from the Christ revolution to the civil rights movements.
Point 1: They Both are Moments of Darkness and Devastation
America's 9/11 and the Passover in Exodus share a common thread – they are both moments of darkness and devastation. In the wake of 9/11, our nation was thrust into a period of grief, confusion, and fear. Likewise, the Israelites in Egypt endured the darkness of slavery and oppression. These moments remind us that suffering is a part of the human experience. However, they also teach us that God does not abandon us in our darkest hours.
Exodus imagery and imagination have played a crucial role in revolutions throughout history. From the Christ revolution, where Jesus fulfilled the Passover symbolism by becoming the sacrificial Lamb, to the civil rights movements that fought for equality and justice,
Exodus has inspired people to rise against oppression and seek the Promised Land of righteousness. Its message of liberation and transformation transcends time and continues to ignite the flames of change.
Point 2: They Both Were a Cry for Deliverance
There was a collective cry for deliverance in both 9/11 and the Passover story. The Israelites cried out to God for freedom from their oppressors, and in America's 9/11, people cried out for comfort, safety, and justice. These cries remind us that in times of distress, we instinctively turn to God, seeking His guidance, protection, and strength.
The September 11, 2001 attacks struck at the heart of America's financial centers. The World Trade Center, a symbol of economic power, was reduced to rubble. The Pentagon, the epicenter of military and political power, was also attacked. These targets were not chosen at random. They were a symbolic strike at the heart of what many perceived as America's dominance in global finance and politics.
In the aftermath of 9/11, we witnessed a profound shift in priorities. The nation came together not only to mourn but also to reflect on the values that truly matter. It was a moment when the pursuit of wealth and power took a back seat to the pursuit of justice, unity, and compassion. People began to realize that the pursuit of money politics, where financial interests often hold sway over political decisions, had led to inequalities and injustices that needed to be addressed.
Point 3: They Both Showed God's Presence and Redemption
The most profound comparison lies in the response of God to these crises. In the Passover, God responded to the cries of His people by sending Moses to lead them out of Egypt. He showed His presence through the miraculous plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. In America's 9/11, God's presence was evident in the acts of heroism, the strength of communities coming together, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Church is a sanctuary where God's presence is palpable. When we gather in worship, prayer, and fellowship, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can move among us.
In the Church, we are reminded that God is with us, that His love and grace are ever-present, and that we can find solace, peace, and strength in His presence.
Illustration: Just as God led the Israelites to freedom through Moses, we saw heroes emerge on 9/11 – firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens who risked their lives to save others. They embodied God's presence through their selfless actions.
Illustration: Consider Harriet Tubman, a modern-day Moses, leading her people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She embodied the spirit of Passover, guiding fellow slaves from bondage to liberty, just as God led the Israelites out of Egypt. Her faith and determination are a testament to the enduring hope from the Exodus story.
In conclusion, my dear Wesley Chapel, while America's 9/11 and the Passover in Exodus are vastly different events, they both teach us about the human experience of suffering, the cry for deliverance, and God's abiding presence and redemption. In our own lives, we may face personal 9/11s – moments of tragedy and despair. But let us remember that just as God led the Israelites to freedom and brought hope and healing in the aftermath of 9/11, He is with us in our darkest hours.
Let us find solace in knowing that God's love and grace transcend even the most devastating circumstances. In times of trouble, let us turn to Him, seeking His guidance and strength, and continue to be a source of hope and healing for one another. For in God's presence, there is always a path to redemption; in His love, there is the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Amen.
