The Road to War

I have been reviewing some radio articles I have done in the past and came across one done just a little over 4 years ago. I was the pastor of St. Paul's UMC in Jamestown, ND and we were on the verge of war. With the continuing struggles in Iraq and Afganistan and the recent needless killings at Virginia Tech I thought I would share the thoughts again. I am afraid that they are just as pertinent today as in 2003.

Road to War
March 18, 2003
Radio Devotion, Jamestown, ND

I am 56 years old and 24 of those years were spent in military service. Those 24 years included combat in Viet Nam as a sentry dog handler in the Air Force, and 20 years as an Army chaplain – serving with many of the units that are now preparing for war. Military service is an honorable gift from citizens to their country, and we need to be in prayer for all of them – and their families. As you know, ND has more National Guard and Reserve soldiers (per capita) deployed than any other state – they especially need to be in our prayers.

I have been retired from the military less than three years – there are many of my good friends who are at this moment on the front lines in the Persian Gulf. Some, God forbid, may die. How I pray that there were no such thing as war. But there is!

But, you also need to know – as we are now in the shadow of war – the individuals who hate war the most are those who will be sent in harms way. This morning we do not remember in prayer soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen who are some sort of evil, war-mongering members that are waiting for opportunities to kill. What they are, are men and women, moms and dads, sons and daughters who know it is their lives that hang in the balance; their lives that are offered in service to their country. It is for them we pray most fervently this morning.

Some would believe that such things as war can be averted – if we just talk long enough; if we can just negotiate a little more (and better). I wish it were so. This is not a time, however, to lift high our voice in self-righteous platitudes – invoking God’s blessings on our task and condemning others to a certain swift death and eternity in hell. If I understand the scriptures correctly – it will be Jesus who fulfills the role of judge, not any of us.

Just yesterday, I saw two famous television preachers talking about the coming war and how it was, without a doubt (in their minds), the end of time! The closing prayer of that program was filled with cries of self-righteousness; words of condemnation of anyone other than ourselves, and a self-assurance that God was on our side. I am reminded of what Abraham Lincoln said during the Civil War. When asked if God was on the side of the Union Army, Lincoln said that more important than asking if God is on our side, we should ask if we are on God’s side.

In recent Bible study sessions at our church we have talked much about being in “the last days.” Those “last days” began long ago, when Jesus returned to the Father – they continue still. Our scriptures (those that we hold so dear) remind us over and over again that wars and rumors of wars (and a lot worse) will continue to be our fate till God decides to set up his new heaven and earth. But till that day, times such as we are living in, will continue to exist.

The good news of the Gospel today is that in the direst of circumstances, God’s people are commanded to stand firm in the faith. If we stand firm – God’s promise is that we will endure, and prevail.

Join me in taking a stand today. Not a political or military stand. Not even a patriotic stand (though that is right and fitting). Join me today in standing in the gap – through prayer. If you will do that, let us begin now:

Our Father, your desire has always been peace for your creation; however, your creation has often turned its back on peace and cared only for its own best interests. How it must sadden you to see the world again on the edge of war. We thank you today, Father, not that we are right and they are wrong, but for the assurance that those faithful to you will endure till the end. In the days ahead we commit ourselves to you; to continued faith in, and service to, your Son Jesus the Christ and a continuous prayer in our hearts that peace will again come upon our land. Amen.

Just Thinking.