September 11, 2001 — a day that will live in history and in the memories of those old enough to remember that day. On that day, well-trained terrorists hijacked airliners and used them as missiles of mass destruction in New York and Washington. Millions in the United States and beyond now live in fear of more attacks from a foe that is determined, elusive, and exceedingly difficult to confront. Even if guns and warplanes could destroy hundreds of terrorists and their strongholds, who is to say that more of them are not hiding out somewhere else?
The world begs for solutions to the terrorist menace, but solutions are hard to come by.
As I thought about the terrorist menace, I began to contemplate another more serious terrorist operation. This operation is a worldwide threat that knows no national boundaries. The mastermind of this terrorist scheme is known as “that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world” (Revelation 12:9).
In many ways, Satan’s tactics are like those of the terrorists. He instills fear into the lives of people because of the sin that is so rampant in the world. The war against terrorism will never successfully and finally deal with the hate and violence of millions who do not know God. As long as mankind lives in rebellion against God, there will be distress and terror among the nations. Jesus foretold that in the “last days” will be characterized by “distress of nations” and “men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:25, 26).
Satan also comes upon people subtly and captures them when they are least suspecting. The Bible pictures Satan as a mastermind of trickery and disguise. “For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). He can make his program look good, only to trap people and destroy them spiritually and even physically. Witness millions who are enslaved to drugs, alcohol, immorality, and the spiritual and physical consequences of these tools of Satan.
Like the terrorists who seal their own doom along with the people they destroy through suicide missions, Satan does not care that he is destroying people. He relishes in destroying for his cause. And yet, his doom is sure. The Bible says that in the end “the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10). This prophecy speaks of Satan’s doom as if it has already taken place — it is, indeed, certain.
When the terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, many innocent people perished. Satan’s attacks lead to much suffering and death. Often innocent children suffer because of the sins of their parents or the sins of the society around them. Most of us probably know of children who suffered or died from fetal alcohol syndrome, AIDS, or from the violence inflicted by abusive parents.
Here the analogy between world terrorists and Satan begins to break down. Those of us who are old enough to make informed choices can choose, at least in the spiritual realm, not to be part of Satan’s terrorist attacks. We can choose to be on God’s side, building up in the world instead of tearing down. Through surrender to God’s Son, Jesus Christ, repenting of the wrong we have done, and willingly turning away from Satan and wrongdoing, we do not have to be part of his terrorist conspiracy. As we are born again in Christ, we become part of the only effective remedy to Satan’s terrorism.
The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Then we find peace with God and peace with our fellowman. Then we become builders in the word and not destroyers. As followers of Jesus Christ we find true peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Not only are we delivered from fear of Satan but from the fear of the things that are “coming on the earth.”
In troubled times, you can experience peace within. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Won’t you accept Jesus Christ as your master today and know true peace in a troubled world. “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
by Roger Berry
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