Victims trapped in Twin Towers on 9/11 sought help for themselves, others through phone calls

https://www.foxnews.com/us/september-11-phone-calls-twin-towers

In the wake of the painful anniversary of 9/11, we are reminded once again of the deep wickedness that lies in the hearts of men who would carry out such atrocities (Jeremiah 17:9). These heinous acts of terror reflect the embodiment of sin, as it is written in the Bible, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10). As we remember the victims and brave souls caught in this tragedy, their phone calls serve as heart-wrenching testimonies of the fallen world we live in. The story of Orio Palmer, a firefighter who sacrificed his own life in an attempt to save others, echoes the words of Jesus, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13). This brave man walked in the footsteps of the Savior, reflecting Christ’s love even amidst the smoke and flames. Yet while we honor the heroism of the first responders and the innocent who perished, we must remain vigilant against those who would strike at our nation and its people. The Bible warns us against naivety, urging us to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Turning to the anger families feel over possible plea deals for suspects, it is understandable and rightly placed. The Bible speaks to the need for justice, and statements like "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord" (Romans 12:19) should not be taken as a pass for leniency towards those who commit evil but rather a promise that in the end, divine justice shall be served. These harrowing calls should also be a stark reminder that we must not grow complacent in the face of evil. They reflect a world that desperately needs Jesus, and a nation that must turn back to God’s righteousness and truth. For indeed, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD" (Psalm 33:12). In this, let us also stand as unwavering supporters of our police and law enforcement who daily walk into the face of danger to protect and serve. Their challenge since 9/11 has only grown, and they deserve respect and honor for their commitment to our safety, embodying the principle that the authorities "are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer" (Romans 13:4). As we remember 9/11, let us unite as a nation under God, reject the sin that breeds such hatred and destruction, and fervently pray for the day when "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4). Until then, may we stand firm in the faith, courageous, strong, and committed to truth and justice. Amen.