September 11 will always prompt memories of the lives that were forever changed on that day. Most of our memories focus on those whose lives were lost, those who lost family and friends, or perhaps where we were on that day.
Our memories come with emotion. We may feel grief, anger or fear. We may avoid thinking about what it was like for those we call victims of that day. But were they victims?
In this blog posting, I encourage you to consider what it is like to meet Jesus up close and personal.
It always intrigued me that Peter, Andrew, James and John, when called by Jesus, at once left their nets and followed Him. No good byes to the family. No hanging around to take a shower and pack. They left their nets at once and followed Him.
Why would they do that? Was it their own impulsiveness? Was it the call of adventure that seemed more appealing than the monotonous life they were living? Or was it Jesus Himself who drew them in?
I believe it was simply Jesus. He called to them with The Voice they recognized and all they wanted to do was to be with Him wherever He was.
I believe it is the same for all Who hear Jesus’ Call to join Him in the deeper reaches of Eternity.
Jesus said, “My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow Me, and I give them eternal life. They will never be lost, and no one will tear them away from Me.”
John 10:27 (God’s Word)
Read that again! Give it time to sink in. No matter what the exit plan from earth is, we will not go as victims. We will not be lost. We will be safe. No one can snatch us away from Jesus.
When He calls, the world around us will fade away. We will hear only His Voice, The Voice of Love, The Love that created us and carried us, The Love That was with us always and ever shall be.
We will be absorbed into His Wonderful Presence. We will simply want to be with Him wherever He is.
Movies and tv shows often depict angels as escorting us to our heavenly home. There is some biblical basis for that. However, I love what Jesus Himself said about our journey home. He said He was preparing a place for us and when it is time, He Himself will escort us there. (John 14:3)
What did those who died on September 11, 2001 experience that morning? We don’t know for sure. But when I was praying about it, The Lord gave me a song.
I will share the lyrics here. Feel free to share with others. The words and music are copyrighted by me. If you share separately from this blog, please note it is written by me.
I’m With Jesus!
© 2001 Carolyn Priester Jones
Lyrics and Music
(Introduction)
I was working on that morning.
My cup of coffee was half gone.
Suddenly, I felt a gentle breeze.
I turned around to see …
And to my surprise, it was Jesus!
He was standing there with me!
(Chorus)
Jesus!
Standing there with me!
Jesus!
Plain as He could be!
Jesus!
He told me not to fear!
He said,
“Follow Me. We’re leavin’ here!”
Others might have been calling,
But I heard only Him.
There might have been other noise.
I’m not sure what might have been.
I just knew …
(Chorus)
It was Jesus!
And there was no pain!
Me and Jesus!
We walked and talked again!
Jesus!
He showed The Way to me!
And we walked right through that stormy sea!
In a world I left behind,
the headlines might have read
That all of us had perished …
that all of us were dead.
But they would have been so wrong
‘cause I’m more alive than then!
I walk the streets of Glory,
and I walk here with my Friend!
(Chorus)
I’m with Jesus!
What a Glorious Sight!
I KNOW Jesus!
And everything’s so right.
I HEAR Jesus!
like I never did before!
I’ve had JOY since
we walked through Life’s door!
Very truly I tell you,
whoever obeys My Word
will never see death.
John 8:51 (NIV)
