 It was a sad day, though not unexpected, when Ms. Bhutto lost her life to the whims and hatred of fanatics. War is an ugly thing. Many innocent people die. And Ms. Bhutto was just another lamb in the slaughter.
For me, this is a poignant picture. By waving hello to her admirers in Pakistan she was also waving goodbye to life on earth. She knew that; she knew the risks. She was like a sheep headed for the slaughter, like many of our good soldiers are today. Though she was not a Christian she stood up for freedom and peace in the face of an enemy that seeks to oppress and dominate. She lost that battle, and now Pakistan may lose the war against the terrorists who lurk within its borders. The insurgents are gaining strength.
So, why am I writing about this here? What does this have to do with the heart of God? Everything!
Do I love war? No. Does God love war? Of course not. But does He use war to accomplish His purposes? Yes, I'm afraid He does from time to time, as is clear from His Word.
I have to admit that I get a little tired of the Christian "doves' who refuse to fight evil with force. Friends, there's a reality that we need to understand in all of this -- God has no intention of setting up heaven down here on earth! Yes, He loves peace and justice. Yes, He wants us to set the captives free and beat our swords into ploughshares -- but all in HIS time and within His purposes. Meanwhile, we may be called upon by Him to fight a terrible war. Rev 11:7-8
"Now when they (three witnesses) finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified."
Rev 13:7 "It was granted to him (the Beast) to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation."
Rev 20:4 "Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years."
It is clear from these passages that war is definitely a part of God's agenda in the last days. He will permit it -- and, He will fight in it!
Rev 17:14
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."
Rev 19:11-15
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
Rev 19:19-21
And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
Not a pretty picture. But not an allegory, either. God involves Himself in some nasty wars.
Two years ago a Christian peacemaker named James Loney was kidnapped in Iraq, and then rescued by force by coalition troops. In his followup to the release he publicly scolded the troops for using "violence" to secure his freedom. "Jesus is opposed to war. Jesus would not use violence to secure peace." (or words to that effect) This, of course, is not true. There are times when God uses war and marshals troops to carry out His plans and purposes. The Revelation quotes are a case in point. So, too, is this quote: Isaiah 13:3,4
"I have commanded my holy ones; I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath....those who rejoice in my triumph. The Lord Almighty is mustering an army for war."
So it is clear that we must sometimes use force to fight force. Even Jesus, who said "Turn the other cheek" will not just roll over and be trampled by the Anti-Christ and his forces. He will fight, and He will kill -- over 200,000,000 soldiers will die in the Battle of Armageddon. And then will our swords be beaten into ploughshares; and then will the Prince of Peace rule with peace for all eternity. War is complicated, and so is God's response. Let's not be so simplistic as to argue that we should never defend ourselves against terrorist thugs who seek to overthrow human dignity and freedoms. [paid for by the "We Love American Rhetoric" coalition] :0) Labels: war |
