Remembrance

For some reason (some might call it chance, but I believe it to be far more directed than that), my thoughts have been drawn to this year’s anniversary of the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.  I felt led to pen a prayer that spoke to the significance of the event, both then and now.  It wasn’t until after I’d written it, though, that I recognized the confluence of this year’s anniversary with Good Friday, the day on which Christ Jesus was crucified.

As I thought about the combination of events, I reread my prayer and was struck by how its themes were equally fitting for Good Friday.  Both events mark tragic and horrific events.  In both cases, innocent lives were taken by evil.  And in both situations, God’s love and power triumphed over that evil – more visibly on the Sunday after Good Friday, perhaps, but with equal certainty following the Oklahoma City bombing.

Then it occurred to me that the hope and conviction arising from the tragedy of the bombing were possible only because of the resurrection – the ultimate demonstration of God’s power over death and destruction.  Without that, how could we find hope in the rubble?  Without it, in what could we place our faith?  In the absence of God’s victory, there would be no possibility of renewal, of growth, of life.

But He IS victorious!  “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (I Cor. 15:55)  That victory, HIS victory, offers hope where there is none.  Without ever ignoring the pain and sorrow, the suffering and sacrifice, it affords peace even in the horror of murder and destruction, both on Golgotha and in Oklahoma City. 

May this year’s remembrance – of both Christ’s crucifixion and the bombing – remind each of us of God’s ultimate power over evil and death.  May the sorrow and tragedy serve to remind us that there is more, so much more, yet to come.

A Prayer of Remembrance
On the 24th Anniversary of the Bombing of Oklahoma City’s Murrah Federal Building

Lord, we pause this morning to remember those lost on this day so many years ago.  We remember those, too, who were injured, whether in body, in spirit, or both.  

But, Lord, as we remember, may we respond, not in fear, but in faith.  Not simply in horror, but with hope.  Hope that reminds us that no matter how hard, how tragic, or how overwhelming our days may be, there is another day coming – A day in which You will wipe away all tears and evil will be banished forever. 

So, Lord, we remember the events of April 19, 1995.  But keep us mindful, as well, of Your promise still to be fulfilled.  In it may we find the strength for this, and each, day ahead. 

In the overcoming name of Jesus Christ, we pray. 

Amen.