Many of us have familiy, friends, neighbors, that today we called veterans. I want to take this moment and salute you for your courage, dedication and sacrifice. Thanks to all of them we can continue enjoying the gift of freedom. In today's world we are all facing changes in our lives. For many years we have seen many changes on our country's national affairs in order to prevent future attacks. The topic of war is being discussed on the news nationwide. But all this issues of war started a very long time ago.
The Bible records many wars throughout its pages. In fact, many of these wars document the accuracy of the Bible as archeology has uncovered artifacts with data that verifies the records of them exactly as recorded in Holy Script.
When God created the earth and put man upon it, He pronounced that it was all good until men sinned and fell from that estate. Because mankind was given a free will and they could choose to obey God or do evil, we now live in an environment where evil men and good men are at war. God doesn't like war; however, it is necessary to maintain order on earth and overcome those who would like to destroy good. In fact, the first war ever recorded was the war in heaven where Satan and his evil angels fought against God and his angels. We know this war was won by God through Christ. (Revelations 12:7-11)
Some Christians are having difficulty with the actions of our government in the area of war as the heart of Christianity is to love our enemies, not destroy them. How do we reconcile this as Christians? We must understand that the Bible deals with the role of government differently than that of an individual Christian. Throughout the Bible, the main role of governments was to protect its people from invaders and to maintain law and order within its borders. This was done by maintaining a military force. Those who would argue against our country's military position, must also ask what our nation would be like without policemen and prisons.
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1
God set boundaries on mankind by establishing ruling authorities that would make and enforce the laws He gave. The purpose for this was because He knew unregenerate society, without any restraints, would seek to destroy good men. God's desire is that all men would come to Him and live by His laws.
Our military men and women need our prayers and the protection of the Lord as they go to battle. This should be the work of the church, prayer for their protection and prayer for our president and heads of state. Our critical words will not change things, but prayer will. We must pray that the war would end quickly so we can return to peace, and especially prayer for our enemies, that they might be saved.
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28
Keeping God's word always brings blessings. The power of life and death resides on our mouth. We can pray that good will come out of what Satan means for evil. Our trust cannot be in our military strength by itself. It must be in God, then He will use our military to protect us.
If you know someone who was or still serves in the military, take this time to celebrate their lives. Pray for the moms and dads who left their families behind to serve their country. For the ones who came home wounded. For those that never came back.
Happy Veteran's Day!
M²
