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. – Matthew 24:6 NIV
When I started writing this devotion, Russia was building up forces along Ukraine’s border. A few days later, war is no longer a rumor. Russia invaded and the battle for Kyiv is imminent. Is this what it felt like to Americans when Germany invaded Poland? My parents were married in October 1939. Mom told me they were aware and concerned about what was going on, but hoped America would remain untouched by the conflict. We know how that turned out.
Jesus knew war, an outcome of our selfish human nature, is a fact of life. He encourages us, however, to not be “alarmed” that there will be wars. Seriously, isn’t that the natural response?!?!?!
Here, as He often did, Jesus teaches us to develop a new perspective about the struggles we face and the evil we see. Jesus wants us to view every aspect of our lives through Him, who He is and what He taught.
Just before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV) And overcome the world He did.
Keep your focus on Jesus. For example, after talking about how we worry about money, food, and clothes, Jesus said, “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:32-33 NIV)
Seek to follow God’s take on everything, from wardrobe to war. So what is God’s will for us in this conflict between Ukraine and Russia?
Jesus taught us to be peacemakers, to turn the other cheek and to love one another, including our enemies. That is the primary goal. But we are also to hunger and thirst for what is right. We are to love justice and mercy.
The peace Jesus wants us to experience is more than an absence of war or conflict. It is the inner peace that comes when we strive to do Our Heavenly Father’s will. In some cases, that means standing up to the bully at the playground, and sometimes it means going to war.
After Constantine converted to Christianity in 312 AD, Christians were no longer the persecuted underdogs. As world leaders, they now had to struggle with how to handle political and economic power. St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) developed what came to be known as “Just War Theory.” I can’t tell you if modern day military planners think along these lines, but as another war in Europe threatens the entire world it is something to consider.
St. Augustine said, in essence, that wars can be engaged in, but only for just purposes. They must be fought with a sense of morality and proportion. Most of the western world acknowledges that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is wrong, but I’m also concerned America and our western allies are complicit in encouraging and prolonging this conflict. Ukraine has its own of history internal strife and corruption.
What are we to do? We will only have peace in the world and in our own hearts, if we do the right thing, the God-honoring thing, both in Ukraine and in America.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may Your will be done. Help us keep our eyes on Jesus. Give the leaders of today’s world Your wisdom in this moment. The courage shown by the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s naked aggression is inspiring. Comfort and support them. Inspire us to do what is good, right, and just. Inspire us to do what will bring Your peace into our lives and into the world. Amen.
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. – Matthew 24:6 NIV
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