Pride & Power —

When governments govern themselves, it creates a huge mess. One nation will always have more power, and other nations will covet that power. Decisions are made in the name of prosperity, prestige, and pride. Yet sooner or later the pendulum of public opinion or a monarch’s sentiment swings too far, and war ensues. Whether it is civil unrest, rebellion, or all-out war, governments are overthrown, renovated, and reset, and the cycle continues. What’s interesting is that we always try to reinvent the wheel, we think ‘we know more now than before,’ so ‘this time will be different’. The apostle James speaks about war, where it comes from, and why it happens. It’s a direct result of an unbridled tongue and the depths of deceit in our hearts. Sin must be confronted daily – it’s a discipline – and can only be restrained through the power of Jesus Christ, not geopolitical advantages.

The recent wars we have witnessed, the smashing of freedom and torturing of people, are all against God’s plan. The Ten Commandments are very clear on the consequences for murder within society, which was only deepened by Christ as something more than a societal contract–––we were called to love our neighbours and enemies. We must never let ourselves be persuaded by any other standard than those of the commands of Christ. We follow Him first, not the government or public opinion.

This month we move through the kings of ancient Israel, a nation divided into two kingdoms: northern Israel and southern Judah. Judah, at least, attempts to worship God. But with every earthly kingdom there is a question that must be answered by the king or leader: Who is God? Is He the creator of life or is He not? In the next few weeks, we will learn about the thousands who were killed in war because of selfishness and lies. God is still God. He always has been and always will be. War will not continue. There will come a time when Jesus Christ reigns as our Ultimate King. He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the Living Prince of Peace.