Off to War! (?)

Amidst the distressing news last week of the horrendous fires in Canberra and the alpine regions, along with the continuing suffering of the terrible drought, there was the report of the sailing of the troop ship Kanimbla. This last incident could potentially be the most serious of all for the future of our country.

While the politicians keep assuring us that this is purely an increase in our level of readiness, and that no decision has been made to wage war on Iraq, the possibility of war occurring has increased greatly. This should stir us to an even greater level of prayer. As we heard several weeks ago, one of America's top prophetic people was told by God that if a sufficient number of His people prayed, He would change Saddam Hussein and war would be unnecessary.

While military analysts are predicting that any war with Iraq would be over very quickly, there are two unpredictable elements that could see terrible destruction and suffering unleashed on our planet.

One is the possibility that if Iraq is attacked, Hussein will unleash his arsenal of chemical and biological weapons upon neighbouring countries, especially Israel. This is a threat that has been made for a number of years, and according to recent reports from Israel, has many ordinary Israelis living in a heightened state of fear and apprehension. Gas masks are now normal household equipment!

The other unpredictable element is how the rest of the Muslim world would respond if one of their number were attacked. While the majority of Muslims are quiet, peace-loving people, who do not have a high regard for Saddam Hussein, there are militant Muslims who are seeking to portray this dispute as an attack on Islam itself. If the US and their allies are not careful, they could stir up a third World War!

No one likes war unless they are mentally or emotionally sick. Even a short sharp war that some are predicting will almost inevitably lead to numerous people being killed. And there is every chance that some of them will be women and children. As followers of the "Prince of Peace" we are called to pursue peace. "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18)

Yet, peace is not always possible, for we live in a world dominated by the prince of evil, who is characterised by violence and destruction. And, especially, that violence and destruction is directed towards those who would seek to follow Jesus.

Last year we heard of thousands of Christian Indonesians who were slaughtered by fanatical Muslims. In Nigeria, Christian churches in the north were looted and burned, and some Christians were killed. In a letter this week from Paul Pillai in India he tells of the increasing power of militant Hindus. Violent attacks have killed many Christian workers. "Recently some pastors who baptised some believers from Hindu background were attacked, one of them killed." Another report last week told of Christians in Mexico being attacked by their pagan neighbours.

Last Sunday we sang the old, stirring hymn: "Stand up, Stand up. For Jesus, you soldiers of the cross". A few minutes later I baptised a baby and branded her with the sign of the cross, to show that she would "not be ashamed...to fight bravely under [Christ's] banner against sin, the world and the devil and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant until her life's end. " I believe that we have much to learn about what it means to be "Christ's faithful soldier" and the nature of the war that confronts us.

There was much emotion last week as families and friends farewelled the soldiers who departed, possibly to war. Yet going to war is part of a soldier's job. And with that, there is always some risk that lives could be lost. A soldier who is not willing to face that risk is not fit for his profession.

How then, as soldiers of Christ, shall we respond to the increased challenges before us? Paul Pillai says: "We receive threats for all our ministries almost every day...but we are planning to intensify our effort of evangelism and church planting with a sense of urgency. We do not know how long we could continue." The threat of opposition or danger should not cause us to give up, but rather, to intensify our efforts.

We must remember that "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world." (2 Corinthians 10:4). Our weapons are prayer and the proclamation of God's truth, and they "have divine power to demolish strongholds". Let us get into the battle!

Yours, On His Majesty's Service,

John Davies

26 January 2003