War: January 13, 2012

TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JANUARY 13, 2012.

WAR

DEFINITION:

Armed conflict among nations, or between parties; any strife or conflict

SCRIPTURE:

“But I say to you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Luke 6:27-28.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

War is a very complicated and disturbing subject both to the believers and the non-believers. We must first as believers consider the condition of the fallen world we live in. War is a natural consequence of sin and some conflicts are fueled by evil intentions and desires. Other conflicts are mainly a battle between right and wrong. God does not like bloodshed, but if evil is not forcefully resisted, the wicked will prevail.

The Lord established government as a means to promote good and to restrain evil. Some rulers abuse the authority given them and act wickedly with the result being war. We share this word “war” with you today because so many of our wonderful friends who are reading these daily devotionals are living in “war zones’. We pray that these thoughts will be a source of encouragement to those living every day with “war.”

The Old Testament gives us evidence that at times God uses war to achieve His purpose. He commanded the Israelites to fight for the possession of the land He had promised them and to kill the inhabitants who were very evil. (Deuteronomy chapter 20) God also used war to judge and punish wicked nations. (Jeremiah chapter 25) God also used war to punish His own people for their evil ways. (Jeremiah 5)

Many people ask a very important question: “How can the God who told Israel to destroy the Canaanites be the same God who told us to love Your enemies and to do good to those who hate you?” To understand this we must be able to understand that God distinguishes commands given to nations and instructions given to individuals. Look at two verses to clarify this in your mind. In Romans 13:4, God calls nations or governments ministers of God for good and entrusts them with avenging evil. But in Romans 12:19 He is talking to individuals when He says for us to never take your own revenge.

Jesus also tells us in Luke that loving our enemies is the only way to protect ourselves as believers from bitterness. Unfortunately, many people today turn this around. They are quick to fight personal battles but slow to affirm the avenging of evil as a nation.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in James 1:5.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

PRAYER:

Help me to remember that Your goal is to destroy wickedness and not people. Help me to do my part in overcoming evil as I look toward the day when You will defeat all evil and I will reign with You for an eternity.