"I Know What It's Like to Have Somebody Die in My Place, Not Once but Twice"
He could have been part of the 2,977 lives lost that dreadful day; he should have been in the pilot’s seat of American Airlines Flight 11 traveling from Boston to Los Angeles on September 11, 2001. But the phone never rang.
In a chilling and impactful documentary, “In My Seat: A Pilot’s Story from September 10th-11th” First Officer Steve Scheibner recounts one of the darkest days in America’s history, and the day that could’ve been his last.
September 11, 2001 continues to leave hearts and lives shattered and picking up the emotional pieces after people too many and too soon were taken at the hands of terrorists.
Scheibner had his bags packed and was ready to pilot what would become the most unexpected and tragic flight for the 87 people on board. But as he waited for the phone call to confirm his flight assignment, all he received was silence, and the call never came.
It wasn’t until the horror of planes crashing into the World Trade Center in New York City flashed on television screens across America and he began receiving endless phone calls from friends and family members that it finally clicked for Scheibner. It was supposed to be him on one of those flights. Instead, Tom McGuinness sat and died in what should’ve been Scheibner’s seat.
Although Scheibner describes the “twinge of guilt” proceeding the earth-shattering events unfolding before his eyes and in his mind, it intensified his life objective to hear from the Lord, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Scheibner reflects on God’s providence in leaving him behind as he now views life even more as a “distinct privilege… to know somebody died in [his] place, not once but twice.”
Because not only did McGuinness sit in Scheibner’s seat to unknowingly die in his place, but Jesus, knowing the cost, died on what should have been Scheibner’s cross — what should have been every human’s cross.
Knowing full well September 11, 2001 and the heartbreaking aftermath could have looked strikingly different for him and his family, Scheibner now lives like he is on borrowed time. He uses it to testify with his life “God sent His own Son to die for my sins,” and to tell others, “somebody has sat in your seat, somebody who died for you.”
As the 21st anniversary of September 11th is upon America, watching Scheibner’s story not only propels people to remember the countless sacrifices given that day, but it points hearts everywhere to the overarching hope found in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for everyone, and urges all believers to boldly spread this message of love.
