We had been studying and discussing the Middle East: geography, history, politics, in our cg for several weeks, when the most recent conflict erupted. Will there ever be an end to the unrest and hostilities in that region, and now spreading over the rest of the world? The bombs go off everyday in Iraq, Afghanistan, Thailand, and here and there, and now there's gunfire over the North and South Korean border.
Jesus said in answer to his disciples' question as to what will be the sign of his coming and of the end of the age: "... You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains...." Matthew 24:6-8
Elsewhere he said: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" John 16:35
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:43-45
So how do we overcome the vicious cycle of hate and vengeance? By love and forgiveness and faith in God. As Paul wrote, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21
And the Apostle John also wrote: "This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:3-5
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I am always reminded of the fact that as believers in Christ, we do not have PR status here. We are mere sojourners. As the song goes "there's a land that is brighter than day, and by faith we can see it afar..." There will be more dreadful things that will happen but we must stay focused.
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