Living in a World at War
London, July 7th, 2005. Terrorist placed bombs rock the London Underground and a double decker bus killing dozens and injuring hundreds. One of my best friends had only moments before traveled to work on the “tube” and was evacuated from the trading floor of the stock exchange in the financial district.
Jerusalem – same day. A small riot breaks out between Jews and Palestinians over the transfer of property in Jerusalem from the Eastern Orthodox church to Israelis. The Palestinians are angry because they feel that their right to the contested city and land is in further jeopardy. Israeli soldiers brandishing automatic weapons run past me on the street to intervene in the melee and restore order. Tensions are high after the bombings in London and peace will be maintained at all costs.
Later that day at the Western Wall of Herod’s Temple (the most holy sight for Jews), I was harshly confronted by a Jewish Rabbi who yelled at me for being a Christian and called me an idolater for worshiping a man – Jesus. He said that he wanted to rip his clothes because he was so angry. Yet, as others joined in with him around me, I felt God’s peace and strength supporting me and giving me the words to declare that Jesus is Lord. Only later did I learn that I was in physical danger.
Three types of conflict, all happening on the same day. These events tell us that we live in a world at war. We are not just sailing on a pleasure cruise, but rather we are in the midst of a horrific battle with lives at stake. The battle that I am talking about is the battle for the hearts and lives of men and women. War happens because of sin. It happens because we no longer live in relationship with God. The truth is that we who are believers in Christ are called to enter into a world at war and rescue people from the destruction. We are called to enter into people’s lives and bring peace in the midst of turmoil. Realize that the events of our day are not just highlights on the evening news. They happen to real people in real places who need real love and real answers. We have that in Christ. Will we share it with others?
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. – Jesus, John 16:33
Jerusalem – same day. A small riot breaks out between Jews and Palestinians over the transfer of property in Jerusalem from the Eastern Orthodox church to Israelis. The Palestinians are angry because they feel that their right to the contested city and land is in further jeopardy. Israeli soldiers brandishing automatic weapons run past me on the street to intervene in the melee and restore order. Tensions are high after the bombings in London and peace will be maintained at all costs.
Later that day at the Western Wall of Herod’s Temple (the most holy sight for Jews), I was harshly confronted by a Jewish Rabbi who yelled at me for being a Christian and called me an idolater for worshiping a man – Jesus. He said that he wanted to rip his clothes because he was so angry. Yet, as others joined in with him around me, I felt God’s peace and strength supporting me and giving me the words to declare that Jesus is Lord. Only later did I learn that I was in physical danger.
Three types of conflict, all happening on the same day. These events tell us that we live in a world at war. We are not just sailing on a pleasure cruise, but rather we are in the midst of a horrific battle with lives at stake. The battle that I am talking about is the battle for the hearts and lives of men and women. War happens because of sin. It happens because we no longer live in relationship with God. The truth is that we who are believers in Christ are called to enter into a world at war and rescue people from the destruction. We are called to enter into people’s lives and bring peace in the midst of turmoil. Realize that the events of our day are not just highlights on the evening news. They happen to real people in real places who need real love and real answers. We have that in Christ. Will we share it with others?
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. – Jesus, John 16:33
posted by Alan Cross @ 10:35 PM
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