Wars

Matt 24: 6; Matt 22:37-40; Mark 13:35

Jesus said we would hear of wars and rumors of wars till the end of time. That when we saw an increase of these and other specifics, as we see today, He was on His way back.

But what do we do in the meantime while living in these treacherous days. The twin towers of 911, tidal waves, devastating storms, volcanoes, earthquakes (natural disasters) and at present, the Iraq conflict.

He also said to maintain till he comes back. What does that mean? It means to do what we know to be right. He asked us to continue in faith & trust toward Him, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind and to Love our neighbor as ourselves. (Matt 22:37-40 ) Who is the neighbor? Like never before, our neighbor is every one in the world around us. We see a lot of 'love your neighbor' when natural disasters come. Samaritans Purse, just to name one, is always available 24-7 to help those in need, the New York firemen when 911 happened and now soldiers in Iraq - soldiers who volunteer.

How does war help our neighbor or even more direct, when is war (which involves killing) ever an act of love. Lets relate it this way. If some one comes into your home, puts a knife to the throat of a member of your family and you have an opportunity to act first, would you? That is when war is an act of Love. That is when killing saves life.

We are to occupy, keep watch, continue, maintain till he comes; to keep the faith, to protect the innocent, to help your neighbor to do as God asks. The Old Testament is full of war at God's request. He told them to take the land, eliminate the false gods and to establish His way of life. Even though I do not believe that war is a good thing, I do believe that when a threat comes - a threat that comes against the freedom God has established for us because of an invasion, we must defend ourselves from that aggression.

The only good thing I can say about wars and rumors of wars is that it is a sign. Jesus said we would hear of them and that the times would produce more of them as His due date to return came closer. Until then, lets pray that our country need not go to war.