This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. Luke 22:19

This month marks the ten-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember where I was when my wife called to tell me that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers. I remember the images and the sick feeling I had when watching them.

I also remember hearing a journalist once say that it was important to remember the horror of that day. I was struck by that, because we typically want to forget unpleasant things or think as little as possible about them. But he was right. It's important to remember the horror of that day because we don't want to forget those who died on that day. We don't want to forget the heroes who rescued others or died trying. We don't want to forget that we have enemies or grow careless about terrorism.

The horror of the cross

It's important to remember the horror of another awful day, that awful day when God's just anger at sinners crashed into Jesus Christ on the cross. But that was not a terrorist attack. It was an act of love. The goal was not to take lives but to save lives. The goal was not to cause terror but to bring relief from terror. But for that to happen something horrible had to happen: God's holy Son had to be the target of the Father's holy wrath at my sin and yours.

It's important to remember the horror of the cross so we don't forget how bad sin really is. I need that reminder. How about you? Is it easy for you to harbor sin within or speak harmful words without even caring if they are abhorrent to God? Is it easy for you to slide into sinful patterns of behavior and, worse yet, rationalize them? Is it easy for you to rip on others for their flaws in order to prop up your own flimsy self-righteousness? Then remember the cross. See what God thinks of your sin. See the horror of your sin in the suffering it brought on Jesus and fall before your God in humble, repentant sorrow over that sin.

The message of the horrible cross

And then dare to look once more at the horror of the cross so you don't forget its deeper and ultimate message: By the horrific suffering of God's Son, your sins have been paid for. You are safe from the terrorist network of the devil, this evil world, and your own sinful nature. You are also free from the horror of hell they would unleash on you. You are safe forever, for the Son of God who loved you and gave his life for you lives again and is with you. Enemies of our nation may attack. Recessions may come. Jobs may be lost. Health may fail. Everything around us may come crumbling down. But one thing that will not change is what God did for you at the cross and what you have because of it.