Brother's Keeper Day

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

Philippians 2:4


Today, on the anniversary of 9/11 we do well to stop and pray for our country and the world, remembering those who lost their lives, victims of a crime against humanity and their families and friends who are now forced to relive the horrifying events of this infamous day in history all over again. May these families and friends who suffered most on this day find peace and comfort from God Himself and be reminded by the country in which we live that their loved ones deaths were not in vain and that we as a country will never forget the price that was paid on September 11, 2001. My hope and prayer is that September 11 become a nationally recognized day of "Self Sacrifice" where we as a country deliberately choose to give ourselves away sacrificially in serving and here is the catch, total strangers.

Like many American’s I choose to watch some of the documentaries on television surrounding the events of 9/11 and still awed each year by the thousands of hero's that were revealed that day. Just your normal every day people, men and women who we would have never known or considered before that day, who in the face of death sought to serve and comfort those around them, many, total strangers. Watching these programs gives me a glimpse of what Jesus has called the church to be in the world around us. A world that is scared and feeling more alone and helpless every day.

9/11 revealed to us some amazing feats of heroism by men and women from all walks of life who sacrificed their lives for the sake of others, and what is most amazing is that many were people up to that moment in time were complete and total strangers. From flight attendants to passengers on the planes, fire, police and emergency responders, office workers and store clerks, vendors and every every day office workers all played heroic roles in ministering to the needs of others no matter who they were. If you watch closely you see glimpses of Jesus everywhere. Love, self sacrificing love.

The book of Acts teaches us that when the church sets out to meet needs the world is impacted, the world is changed. People don't forget too soon those who sacrifice for them, especially those who give their very lives in an attempt to save someone else. Today, we can focus on terrorism or we can focus on the hero's of the day, the spirit that has made America a great country. The bible teaches us that what the devil meant for evil God uses for good and today I'm suggesting that in light of the tragic events of 9/11 that we use this day and honor the memory of those who lost or gave their lives this day 18 years ago today. Let’s pray for all our police and fire and first responders in emergency situations, let’s pick out a total stranger today and bless them, serve them, and sacrifice ourselves for their benefit expecting nothing in return today. I can’t think of a better way to help us remember and heal from the tragic events of 9/11.

9/11 brings to our attention the question, “Am I my brothers keeper” that the bible asks and Jesus answers.Yes, we are, our brothers keeper and our brothers we learn from studying our bible aren't just members of our own household but also those of the world around us. Our neighbors are simply those we come in contact with as we go about living. They are our co workers, people from our neighborhoods where we live, from the stores we shop at to the restaurants and coffee houses we frequent. Our neighbors can even be complete strangers with whom we come in contact each day. Each and every person is an opportunity, a chance for us to be proactive, to reach out and touch someone, to sacrifice ourselves for and in the process make our world a better place, if only for a day. Yes, loved one, I can’t think of a better way to honor the lives of those who lost their lives associated with the events of 9/11. Let’s determine to be our Brother’s Keeper!


"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."


John 15:13

I LOVE YOU!

Michael Osthimer

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