War or Peace?

Towards the end of his life Jesus warned his close disciples, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places" [Matthew 24:6-7].

Since World War 1, which was hailed as the war to end all wars, there have been wars that have affected almost every nation in the world. A just war, or violence in the defense of justice, is often seen as the reason for entering into conflict, but history shows that a war that is started for apparently the right reasons can often end in a complex and bitter struggle.

“Whoever opts for revenge should dig two graves” Chinese proverb

The teaching and message of Jesus leave no room for retribution and revenge, no room for exploiting the weak. Rather, as His church, we point to a new way, not of being passive but of being forceful for the things of God. Jesus taught and demonstrated  a Kingdom that is "forcefully advancing", and of "forceful men laying hold of it"

Jesus had much to say about conflict, teaching that many dismiss as unrealistic, but it is as relevant today as when he first spoke the words.

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you," [Luke 6:27]

"But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." [Matthew 5:39]

We should do all in our power to defend the weak, those who cannot help themselves. But we have to face the fact when doing this that Jesus never advocated the use of physical violence to his disciples. Instead we are to disarm our enemy by showing love, "overcoming evil with good" [Romans 12:21]. This will call for God's people to be creative in how they take a stand against those who would seek to oppress by force.

The focus of the follower of Christ is on His "now and not yet Kingdom". As he was dying on the cross Jesus could have commanded 12 legions of angels [Matthew 26:53] not only to rescue Him (since he had done nothing worthy of such a death) but also to destroy all the Roman forces in the region. He did not, not only so that His death would serve as a ransom for many but also to show His followers how to truly live.

We worship The Prince of Peace [Isaiah 9:6], a name given to Jesus Christ over 600 years before he was born!  God always had in mind a Kingdom where His son would rule with perfect justice & peace, "of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end" [Isaiah 9:7]. The Church has been entrusted with a Gospel of Peace [Ephesians 6:5]. We His church prophetically demonstrate the Kingdom of God, marked out by righteousness, peace & joy in the Holy Spirit, [Romans 15:17]. 

At this election time:

• Use your vote for candidates who will govern in peace with courage and truth.

• Be someone who demonstrates a Kingdom of Peace & Justice.

• Be prepared to take Jesus at His word, to overcome evil with good.

Norm Nelson