As a child I remember watching the daily reports of the Vietnam War. My brothers and I often played army, even receiving matching army uniforms for Christmas one year. I recall the many years of the Cold War when the Western nations opposed the Soviet nations in a constant push for influence. I recall vividly in 1980 when the Soviet Union sent troops into Poland attempting to crush the fledgling Solidarity movement. That eventually led to a free Poland and the end of the Soviet Union. I recall the 1980s Falklands War when Britain battled Argentina over territories. I remember the Eastern European and African wars in the ‘90s.
I met a man in Thailand while doing street evangelism who was blind in one eye. When he found out I was an American, he told me the story of being a young soldier in Bosnia. He was overtaken by an enemy soldier and they wrestled to the ground. The enemy pinned him to the ground and removed one eye. Then, in an act of mercy, they left his other eye intact and him lying in the field. He was crying when he told me this story. He was extremely grateful to the USA, as we sent military aid to end that conflict. President Bill Clinton was his hero because the aid was sent during Clinton’s term.
Those old enough cannot forget the powerful images of the tragic attack of 9/11 in 2001, which plunged our nation and many others into a decades-long battle against terrorism. I have seen war, from a distance, far too often in my short life. This past week, war erupted again as Russia invaded Ukraine. I’ve been to Ukraine. I have friends who live there, and there are churches at which I have ministered. Again we see the images of suffering and destruction in the news reports.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:6, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Because this is in a chapter in which Jesus discusses His return, many mistake that war is a sign of the end. Jesus actually says the opposite when He states, “See that you are not troubled … the end is not yet.” In other words, wars and rumors of wars are and have always been a constant in human history. Until Christ returns as the Prince of Peace, the world will be at war.
As Christ-followers, we should not be overcome with fear or become complacent. We are on a mission from our commander-in-chief, Jesus, to influence those around us with the message of hope. We have the weapons of the gospel. As we communicate the truth of Jesus and the promise of salvation, we can change lives which results in a changed world. We have the mighty power of prayer to call upon God’s mercy to end suffering and injustice and to deliver those in need. Each of us can do our part if we remain faithful.