Everything Sad Is Going To Come Untrue

This past Sunday marked the tenth anniversary of the devastating terror attacks that resulted in the deaths of close to 3,000 innocent people. Now what is remarkable about the decade since 9-11 is the growth of the evangelical church in New York City. According to a report published by the web magazine, A Journey through NYC religions, "Almost 40% of evangelical churches in Manhattan Center City were founded since 2000. In September and October 2009 one new evangelical church opened its doors for worship every Sunday." That is a remarkable rate of growth brought about by God working His grace through Christians who grieved (along with their neighbors, co-workers, classmates) --- but who grieved "not as those who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13). 


Timothy Keller, well-known author and pastor of the influential Manhattan based, Redeemer Presbyterian Church spoke at a 9-11 memorial service commemorating the fifth anniversary of the tragedy. The service was held at St. Paul's Chapel in Lower Manhattan and was attended by numerous families of victims. Also in attendance were President George and First Lady Laura Bush. Keller concluded his remarks by pointing out the "secret" to Christians' ability to grieve with hope. He did so by referencing a scene from Tolkien's final volume in his Lord of the Rings trilogy. Here is what Keller had to say that day: 

"In the last book of the Lord of the Rings, Sam Gamgee wakes up thinking everything is lost, and upon discovering instead that all his friends were around him, he cries out, 'Gandalf! I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead! Is everything sad going to come untrue?' The answer is yes. And the answer of the Bible is yes. If the resurrection is true, then the answer is yes. Everything sad is going to come untrue." 


Hmm. Everything sad is going to come untrue. A biblical truth (Revelation 21:4-5) and a comforting truth!  Thanks be to God that one day all sadness will be a fading memory in the rear view mirror of our minds! 


Thanks for stopping by . . . 
pj