This past week we all heard about the war between Israel and Palestine. There is continuing warfare in Ukraine and Russia. We know of all kinds of conflict and violence in our nation. And all of this on time of a history of “wars and rumors of war” (Matthew 24:6)
Recently I have been reading books about the wars and violence in history. From a book about the Civil War, to books and a miniseries on World War II, to books and conversations about racism and its violence and murders of people because of their race. The Scriptures also include accounts of violence and war. The Psalmist recognize this conflict, and also tells that God “makes wars cease.” Jesus tells us we will have “wars and rumors of war…Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Matthew 24:6) So what are we to do about all of this? What can we do? Here are three things we all can do:
We pray: “God, our refuge and strength, you have bound us together in a common life. In all conflicts, help us to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, to listen for your voice amid competing claims, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, page 76).
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AuthorPastor Steve Rutter Archives
December 2024
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