“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” Romans 4:7
We’ve all heard it said that the Word of God is mighty, all-powerful and everlasting. But when horrific tragedy hits in instances like 9/11, many find it difficult to hold firm to that Truth. Even as Christians, we often question how is it that a loving God would allow such evil and mass chaos?
Though we may lack the understanding of God’s ways in extracting beauty from this broken world, it is quite awe-inspiring when He sends us an undeniable message of hope amidst the devastation.
Such was the case when one firefighter was sifting through the rubble on Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. In March of 2002, he was with a crew sorting through the remnants of the south tower when he made an unthinkable discovery: a Bible fused to a chunk of steel.
The Bible verse exposed on the surface of what he called “heart-shaped” steel” was“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:38-39.
Amidst the burning destruction of 9/11, this fragile yet powerful piece of parchment was able to endure and send a lasting message to us all: Our fleshly nature urges us to repay evil for evil, but God calls us to press on in forgiveness and love, while leaving vengeance to Him.
What an amazing God-breathed message for us all to remember in regard to 9/11 and all of life’s tragedies that we may face…May this word be seared on our hearts as securely as this page was fused to steel.
Dear God, thank You for the power and grace of Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
[Excerpted from Bible Verse Melted to Steel in 9/11 Attacks Sends a Gripping Message to America]
