IN FAITH
Reflections On The Sovereignty of God
All of us have been watching the news as our nation has drawn nearer to removing our military presence from Iraq. We have noticed the losses in American military personnel in an area, which has become more dangerous to them than the actual war against Saddam Hussein’s political regime. And, we must also note the dangers to innocent civilians in Iraq as well, which have been considerable.
Naturally, many of us are concerned about the loss of American life, first, because many of the young men and women stationed in Iraq are friends or family members. We are also concerned because they represent our nation. The deeds which our service personnel carry out unquestionably represent what our nation stands for. And, there have been good things done in the name of the United States, and shameful things done, by some American military personnel.
Being the last superpower in the world carries an awful lot of responsibility. It’s easy to say that we can’t be the police force of the whole world. And, that’s right. We don’t have the resources to do that. But, as an old teacher of mine once said, “To whom much is given, is much required.” Our nation has played a pivotal role in the movement to spread democracy across the globe, since we began to step into the superpower role, following the First World War, and especially since World War Two, when our nation, along with the other nations in the west, squared off against Communism, and the eastern block nations led by the Soviet Union.
Because this column is really not about politics, I don’t want what I’m writing to seem too political. But, our God is involved in every aspect of life. And, in truth, one can’t separate a Christian’s responsibility as an ambassador for Christ from how we vote, or how we are involved in local, state, national, or international politics. At the very least, every congregation needs to be praying for a just and fair resolution to the conflict in Iraq, and that God’s will be done in the Middle East.
The God, revealed in the pages of the Bible, is not only a loving God, but also a just and merciful God. When the Bible speaks about righteousness, it means being in a truly just and merciful relationship with individuals and even nations, as we serve our God. As an example of what that might look like, think of the Marshal plan, put into effect at the end of the Second World War, where the United States helped to rebuild war devastated Europe. But, also remember, that we were part of the Nuremberg trials, which were convened to address the immense human rights violations, and horrible torture and murder carried out by Nazi Germany. Key leaders from Germany were tried and imprisoned.
Where I am finally going with this article is simply to say this: When all of the events in Iraq “shake out,” and the war against Osama Bin Laden’s terrorist army has ended, as Christians, we must surrender ourselves to the dominion of the true God. As any student of the Bible knows, many different empires have risen and fallen. Many of them have fallen because of corrupt leadership. As those who serve God, our ultimate allegiance is to God. And so, I cling to Him each day in prayer that His will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. And I leave us with these words from the prophet Daniel:
“As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. {10} A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. {11} “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. {12} (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.) {13} “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. {14} He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:9-14 NIV)
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