The war that never ends...?

This is week three of our war with Iran. It is OUR war as well as Israel’s, and it could be argued, a war for the elusive peace of the entire free world.

“OUR war” may not reflect your sentiments as you may (justifiably?) oppose our nation’s involvement in “policing the world”. Still, whatever your political stance, it has become our country’s war and the projections of a month’s duration seem a fantasy as it rages on.

We’ve been in a combative status with Iran for almost fifty years. The assault on our warrior soldiers, our international personnel and our people has punctuated our history with horrible acts of terrorism and the loss of American lives—not withstanding its attacks on its geographic neighbors, especially Israel.

My purpose is not to debate the legitimacy of our current engagement. I hate war and am confident at the very least its employment in the pursuit of peace should be only as a last resort , or, in the defense of our country.

The glaring questions are “At whar cost?” And “For how long?”

The nagging philosophical and moral question is “Does the end justify the means?”

I don’t suggest I can satisfactorily answer any of these questions but I am convinced this war has no real end in sight. The evil and wickedness that reflect the universal condition of flawed and sinful men will not be resolved by a “winner in war”. The climate of conflict may be tempered for a season but there is an inner battle that rages in the hearts of men between choosing good over evil.

That battle was addressed on the cross through the death of Jesus in His conquest and triumph over sin and death. On the cross we were introduced to the only hope we have for our sin and selfishness.

The coming passion season reminds me of my personal sinfulness and desperate need of a Savior. The great outer war of national conflict points to the inner conflicts of my personal life. In Christ alone lies the hope for the end of war and the embrace of true peace.