7/7 Memorial

On 7 July 2005, 70 people were murdered and more than 700 were injured in coordinated terrorist attacks in London. Islamist killers targeted unarmed civilians to express their anger, justified or otherwise, at the elected government’s foreign policy. The appallingly low value placed upon human life that day continues to send a shudder down my spine.

The memorial to the murdered is a rather stark collection of poles in Hyde Park. I am used to war memorials being inspiring and moving; this one is austere and blunt, just like the evil minds which planned the mass murder in the first place.

The more I understand fallen human nature’s vileness and abhorrence, the sweeter I behold the Lord Jesus in all His purity, grace and righteousness. If man is proficient at plotting evil and destruction, how great is the Living God who plans creation and redemption?

Great God of wonders, all thy ways

are matchless, God-like and divine;

but the fair glories of thy grace

more God-like and unrivaled shine:

Who is a pardoning God like thee,

or who has grace so rich and free?

Such dire offences to forgive,

such guilty rebel souls to spare;

this is thy grand prerogative,

and none shall in the honour share:

Who is a pardoning God like thee,

or who has grace so rich and free?

-Samuel Davies