posted by Kirk M. Wellum @ http://redeemingthetime.blogspot.com/
November 11th is a day when we remember those who gave their lives so that we might enjoy the freedom we do in this part of the world. Many have suffered and died to secure our release from oppression at least a little longer. I am always moved when I see those who are prepared to put their lives on the line for others. Talk is cheap and talkers are plentiful. But men and women of action, resolve and commitment are rare treasures. I am thankful for the military defeat of those who would like to subjugate us. I'm thankful, for instance, that the Nazis were defeated in World War II. And as a citizen of the so-called "free world" I never want to see Islam conquer anyone by means of the sword, and if they try I support all legitimate efforts to crush them as completely as possible. What is true of Islam is true of any person or group with imperialistic intentions. In a fallen world we need governments and military forces to keep human avarice and folly in check, and we should be thankful for them. The Bible indicates, in passages like Romans 13, that God has ordained governments and that he has given them authority to "bear the sword." This "authority" is not an unlimited authority to use anyway they see fit but the right to do good and protect their citizens as defined by God.
But having said that, I think it is also important for Christians to realize that biblically speaking all of the countries and kingdoms of this world, including the western world, are part of eschatological "Babylon" that will be destroyed by God himself one day. Wars waged by sinful human beings, even though they may have the authorization of God during this time in human history, will never bring lasting peace because they are never pure in their purpose or execution, and because lasting peace cannot be achieved by human efforts no matter how noble. We are always dealing with greater or lesser amounts of evil. Besides that, the cross of Jesus Christ eloquently testifies to the fact that all of us need divine grace and forgiveness if we are going to enter the new heavens and earth that will last forever. So this Remembrance Day, let us be thankful for the relative peace and prosperity we enjoy. Let us be thankful for the sacrifices that have been made. but let us also remember that this world is not our home we are just passing through. There is a hell to be shunned and a heaven to be gained through the ultimate sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest and King.
November 11th is a day when we remember those who gave their lives so that we might enjoy the freedom we do in this part of the world. Many have suffered and died to secure our release from oppression at least a little longer. I am always moved when I see those who are prepared to put their lives on the line for others. Talk is cheap and talkers are plentiful. But men and women of action, resolve and commitment are rare treasures. I am thankful for the military defeat of those who would like to subjugate us. I'm thankful, for instance, that the Nazis were defeated in World War II. And as a citizen of the so-called "free world" I never want to see Islam conquer anyone by means of the sword, and if they try I support all legitimate efforts to crush them as completely as possible. What is true of Islam is true of any person or group with imperialistic intentions. In a fallen world we need governments and military forces to keep human avarice and folly in check, and we should be thankful for them. The Bible indicates, in passages like Romans 13, that God has ordained governments and that he has given them authority to "bear the sword." This "authority" is not an unlimited authority to use anyway they see fit but the right to do good and protect their citizens as defined by God.
But having said that, I think it is also important for Christians to realize that biblically speaking all of the countries and kingdoms of this world, including the western world, are part of eschatological "Babylon" that will be destroyed by God himself one day. Wars waged by sinful human beings, even though they may have the authorization of God during this time in human history, will never bring lasting peace because they are never pure in their purpose or execution, and because lasting peace cannot be achieved by human efforts no matter how noble. We are always dealing with greater or lesser amounts of evil. Besides that, the cross of Jesus Christ eloquently testifies to the fact that all of us need divine grace and forgiveness if we are going to enter the new heavens and earth that will last forever. So this Remembrance Day, let us be thankful for the relative peace and prosperity we enjoy. Let us be thankful for the sacrifices that have been made. but let us also remember that this world is not our home we are just passing through. There is a hell to be shunned and a heaven to be gained through the ultimate sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest and King.
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