With access to a continuous stream of news, humanity hangs on bated breath, as it watches the attack underway against Ukraine. As new images emerge, my heart breaks a little more, growing heavier by the moment. Taking my concerns to the Creator, He reminded me of moments similar to these in Scripture. Most importantly, God wants His children to know the battle is the Lord’s.
God Is Love
Before going any further, I want to remind you God is not responsible for this time of upheaval, turmoil, and uncertainty in Ukraine. He is not because God is love (1 John 4:8 and 16, NIV). God will, however, take the worst of any situation and create something beautiful from it. For example, despite the disagreements and unrest throughout the world, people are joining together in various ways to support Ukraine.
Agreement Prayer
As events unfold for the people in Ukraine, people are uniting in agreement prayer for them. Scripture tells us Jesus says, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20, NIV).
Humanitarian Efforts
Many are engaging in humanitarian efforts. These actions demonstrate God’s Word, which encourages His children to help others in need. In fact, Jesus says, “…Truly I tell you, whatever you did [including giving food, drink, clothes, and shelter] for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35-40, NIV). Likewise, Apostle Paul reminds followers of Christ to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NIV). Paul also instructs us to “not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16, NIV).
Desire for Power and Possessions Is Idolatry
As I have said in previous posts, humans, who are perfectly imperfect, live in an imperfect, broken world. Therefore, whether we like it or not, bad things will happen. Throughout Scripture, history appears to repeat itself. One common theme, if you will, has been people’s desire for power and possessions. Similarly, Ukraine’s current situation has its origins in the desire for power and possessions (i.e., land).
Putting one’s own desires for power and possessions before God is a form of idolatry. Through Moses, God clearly commands His children, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Deuteronomy 5:7, NIV). Likewise, He does not want us to “covet…anything that belongs to [our] neighbor” (Deuteronomy 5:21, NIV), including their land.
Parallels Between David and Goliath and Current Events
One of my children’s favorite Bible stories was about David and Goliath. This powerful story illustrates how God does not value the things people do (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV). For example, despite the seven sons Jesse presented to Samuel as potential candidates to eventually serve as the king over Israel, none were chosen. Instead, God anointed the least-likely of them, Jesse’s youngest son, David.
Although David was a young shepherd who played the lyre, God knew his heart, so “…the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David…” (1 Samuel 16:13, NIV). Eventually, David finds himself face-to-face with a champion warrior from the Philistine army, Goliath. Against all odds, David defeats Goliath because the Spirit of God was with him. This is a beautiful example of how all things are possible for people who put their trust in God and let Him strengthen them (Philippians 4:13, NIV). The same can be said for those fighting for Ukraine’s freedom.
Parallels Between Jehoshaphat Facing War and Recent Events Unfolding in Ukraine
During the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, armies from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir sought to invade and take control of the land. Facing impending war and realizing they were completely outnumbered, Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah assembled at the temple of the LORD, petitioning God and reminding Him of His promises. Scripture recalls Jehoshaphat declaring, “If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us” (2 Chronicles 20:9, NIV) (bold and italics added for emphasis).
King Jehoshaphat’s message is powerful and communicates a great deal. Let us take a moment to unpack it, if you will. He acknowledges living in an imperfect, broken world where bad things, like war, can happen. Not only does Jehoshaphat declare his allegiance to Almighty God, but he recognizes the Lord will stand with him and his people, regardless of the circumstances.
Jehoshaphat knows God is faithful and keeps His promises, so he brings his petitions to Him first. Notice Jehoshaphat does not say God sometimes hears prayers and might answer them. No. The Lord loves His children, wants to hear from them, and longs to answer their prayers. Jehoshaphat knows this and reminds God. After all, Scripture tells us God says, “…my word… will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11, NIV).
Like Jehoshaphat and his people, all those throughout the world, who are uniting in prayer for the people of Ukraine, can take strength and comfort in knowing God keeps His promises. He will hear and answer all prayers. We must only trust Him and His timing. After all, the Bible tells us,”…God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV).
What Jesus Says When Faced with Temptations from Potential “Idols”
I believe sometimes people forget Jesus was human, too. Just like all of humankind before and since, Christ faced common temptations at the hand of the enemy, who hoped to draw Him away from the Father.
Prior to His ministry, Jesus ventured into the wilderness where He was tested by the devil. After having gone without food for forty days and nights, Jesus had to have been very hungry. Knowing this, Satan attempted to entice Jesus with food. Jesus, however, responds, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’ ” (Matthew 4:4, NIV).
The devil knows human nature. He realizes the allure for some people to amass power and possessions. Does this seem a bit reminiscent to you of what is transpiring in Ukraine right now? It does to me, too, dear friend.
No better role model exists throughout history than Jesus. Therefore, what happened when He was tested with the lure of power? Well, when the devil tempted Jesus with God-like power, He responds, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’ ” (Matthew 4:7, NIV).
Finally, similar to the desire in modern times to possess Ukraine (or anyone else’s land), how did Jesus respond to the temptation of possessing all the land in the world? In a show of defiance, Jesus commands, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’ ” (Matthew 4:10, NIV).
Jesus encountered the same temptations in Biblical times as people face today. Regardless of the appeal of food, power, and possessions, Jesus kept His focus on the Father and remained strong. Jesus understands human wants and weaknesses. Therefore, what better role model to emulate than Christ? As God’s children, we must do as Jesus did, focus on the Father, and receive His strength and steadfastness.
Closing Thoughts and a Call to Action
Each of us is perfectly imperfect, living in an imperfect, broken world. Therefore, sometimes undesirable things will happen. God will, however, take the worst of any situation and create something beautiful from it. As a child of God, all you must do is focus on the Father and apply Jesus’s example, regardless of what challenges you face. Finally, and most importantly, always remember God wants you to know the battle is the Lord’s!
Acknowledgments:
Featured image for this post was taken by Sima Ghaffarzadeh on Pexels.com.
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