Mayday18

Mayday 18

By Michael Rule

It’s 18 years since the destruction of the World Trade Center in NYC, or another way of putting it is; those events have now turned 18. Under the guardianship of the United States government and the international media; these events have been presented in a certain way. On the evidence of the day, it was judged to be terrorism. No matter how judged it would most like to stand as a call to patriotism. This was an event of ordinary people and all the people but because of its place in time (at the turn of the millennium and beginning of a new century); adjudication and the guardianship belonged to only a few.

Jesus often sited a difference between the world view perception and the ways of God.

As since the times of the fall of the tower of Babel confusion reigns and in the public forums no consensus seems to be reachable. An organisation that seeks clarification on the events is the 9/11 Truth Movement. Based on examination of footage and testimony of those educated in engineering; a call for co-operation with the government is made in the name of finding those “really” responsible.

What is the real story?

In the Bible, we find our guide to the ways of God. Of things to come to the dreams of Daniel and the visions of John as recounted by the apostle John give paths to that end. Recently I read chapter 18 of Revelation from The Good News Version of the Holy Bible. 

The drawn illustration depicts a walled city in flames with billowing smoke, captioned;

” The great and mighty city Babylon! (18:10)”. 

At one point chapter 18 recounts how (other than kings of nations) the businessmen of the earth also cry and mourn for her; how ships captains and passengers, the sailors and others living at sea; cried out as they saw her smoke from the flames that consume her.

Although the scene sounds very familiar, the sentiment of verses 4-8 is anything but an expert opinion, and if a call to patriotism, then in this instance a call that confronts, as the World Trade Centre stood as a symbol of national pride and identity. Those who worked there had a high standing in the metropolitan community and greater nation.

So although the ownership of these events belongs to the many, though under the guardianship of the few, webpages are published for a reason. Once again I offer my perspective using the framework of Revelation 18 verses 4-8 to “chip in” to the debate.  

"Something wrong with the TV? I had a waking vision of things to come!

Revelation 18:     

4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: "'Come out of her, my people,' so that you will not share in her sins so that you will not receive any of her plagues; 

And such was the beginning of my own experience of these events. In the tradition of dreams and visions that portend future events; I too was suffered visions of aeroplanes crashing into buildings, scenes of the last moments of people crowded in stairwells, and falling from a great height. There was little to salvage from such sights as it was clear enough that these things would come to pass. However, there was little else to do but to contact the leader of the nation involved. There is not much mistaking the World Trade Centre for any other building. I called and spoke to President HW Bush sometime relatively early in his term. From memory.; perhaps days after the visions finished. And the sentiment was much as verse 4; although perhaps not could be saved there should be a call to “come out”. I even suggested that if at the least there be any that can be saved then let those who work there be Christian (and hence saved). 

It does not seem like any on my action’s account were saved but perhaps if any government involvement can be attributed, then this can go some way as to guessing it’s motivation. To this day one of the biggest problems faced by the Truth Movement is that no involvement even though demolition evidence exists; none is claimed.   

5 for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.     

It does seem like the wrong way start to a new era, a fresh page, or a new millennium.

Just as the Tower of Babel was destroyed as a wrong way to heaven; maybe this can be said for the character of the World Trade Center. Perhaps it too stood as a monument to what was great or right but to what was wrong; in the world in general but more especially in our modern cities, of which New York City is considered by many to be king. It is probably not insignificant that the nature of this building was world trade. Stopping the trade of Bin Laden was a paramount goal of the US government in limiting the potential of global terrorist groups. Trade of depleted uranium to the third world often to be used as munitions was a claim levelled against the US. Jesus warned that for those who so much as stumble the children; it would be better a millstone be tied to their necks and they be thrown into the sea. This very metaphor is used in Revelation 18 later as the fate of Babylon.   

6 Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Pour her a double portion from her cup.     

Was the World Trade Centre a victim of its plurality? Jesus said that the Father would not give a stone to the children who asked for bread. It is hard to see the humanity in this situation. 

7 Give her as much torment and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. In her heart she boasts, 'I sit enthroned as queen. I am not a widow; I will never mourn.'     

Once again relating to my own experience, but referencing a tale I have not yet recounted online; I lost my queen in a tall building on the other side of the world; here in Perth where I today still live. It’s a tale so lost that through mistaken identity I said vows of marriage to someone I did not know. Though I’m assured the gesture was not binding, it seemed so at the time. In this confusion, one who shared the company of Alan Bond shot her. I left her at the top of Bonds building in search of a telephone to call an ambulance. Bullets joined me in my flight as I took to the fire escape and shortly after to a lift. Obviously, a poor choice of Honeymoon suite was Alan’s office and though I did later return with a police officer, the fact that I did not know her identity and even the context of the strange times and events I found myself; the whole affair shortly became lost from me. (An afterthought perhaps worth mentioning is I seem to recall that the event of the marriage happened the day before the shooting. That occasion I think was a return visit to the place. This adds the complicating possibility that even another and compounding mistaken identity may be taking place).  

Well, just to wonder as a metaphor even, where to would one so confused run but to the ends of the world, in this case perhaps even to return to the tallest building?

8 Therefore in one day, her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.

Although in these times I was part of the Potters House, even with the girl who I knew (rather than the one I mistook her for). Pastor Mitchell himself commended marriage (though only in the context of that being preferable to fornication)....yes, even though this is so; in my recent times at the Potters House, it has never formed a part of my testimony to the Lord and the subject in these more recent times never came up. The Anglican Church where I now attend was the place that I then said my informal impromptu vows with the girl. Though I have looked into it as best I can; I have made little progress. I think it helps to make an effort though.

Hopefully, all efforts make a difference in the end, so, I hope this will be of help to those who read it.

Written by Michael D Rule 1 May 2020

Reading from Revelation; https://bibliajfa.com.br/app/niv/66N/18/4

(Second afterthought as I finally took a bag of rubbish to the dumpster outside and checked my mail; was to insert the lyrics of the Ramones song; The KKK took my baby away”. Many of the elements of the song seem to be in what I have related.)

…

...but, I know when seeking a better or truer word I can turn to my “Identity in Christ” app.

Today’s reading is;

I am a citizen of heaven

20 But we belong to heaven. And we are waiting for the Saviour to come from heaven. He is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3. 20 (WE) 

...I get two readings. Here’s the other;

You are God’s Temple

16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

1 Corinthians 3. 16=17 (ESV)

(update19June)TV? Visions? This is old hat these days Today I particpated in a TAP9/11 Zoom meeting