Even More Historic Than 9/11

by Stacy L. Harp

Everyday is historic, but there are days in history that are meant to be memorialized.  September 11, 2001 is a day that is forever branded into the hearts and minds of those who lived through the horrific events of that day.  As we all know, this is the day that America was attacked by Islamic terrorists and thousands were killed, while millions had their lives changed forever.

I remember where I was when the planes hit the towers, and I remember the following days pretty vividly as well.  However, for me, 9/11 isn’t the most important event in history that has been memorialized.  For me, the day that is the most important day in history to be memorialized happened on a Friday some 2000 years ago.

On that Friday a man was weeping in a garden, sweating drops of blood and taking on Himself the sins of the world.  He was then abandoned by his friends, beaten and scourged and eventually led to a hill where he was mercilessly crucified, and a few hours later He died.

It was a very sad day, and He knew it would be.  He knew it would be so much that He offered a memorial meal before all of this happened because He wanted it to be remembered. It is written that while they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."  Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom.”

He was indeed born to die, and what is amazing to me is that He gave thanks for His memorial even before He died for the sins of the world.  So as we all remember the events of 9/11 let us not forget an even greater event that changed the world.  The willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins.  His death changed the world and what is even greater is that by understanding why He died and accepting His sacrifice, which is far greater than any policeman, fireman or rescuer laying their lives down, it can change your eternity.

That is worth remembering an being thankful for.  Are you?