Though there seems to be a little support for Putin and his actions in our nation, and there are some who wish for us to stay out of it, believing that it has nothing to do with us and our country. I believe that the vast majority of Americans condemn Putin's naked aggression, most of us are in favor of some type of action against Russia such as creating the no-fly zone, boycotting Russian businesses, and are OK with paying higher prices for gas to send a message that Russia should stop the aggression and fully withdrawal back into their country. 330 American businesses such as McDonald's and Apple have stopped doing business with them all together. What is heartening to me, is the response of the world. Putin really has no allies out in the wider world, and even Switzerland, who was neutral in WW II, has brought sanctions against Russia.
Before we feel too satisfied of our moral superiority, let us remember we invaded two countries less than 20 years ago in order to install governments that were 'friendly' to America. Especially, in the case of Iraq, we used faulty or dishonest intelligence as an excuse for a pre-emptive war that resulted in the deaths of at least 500,000 and maybe closer to 750,000 Iraqi citizens. Yes, there are some differences in that Iraq was controlled by a dictator and Ukraine is a democracy, but we, in our American history, have toppled democracies as well. Does this excuse Putin's actions or give us no right to help the Ukrainians or denounce this invasion? Of course not. When power is abused and innocent people die, it should be denounced and striven against. When country invades another sovereign country, it should not stand or be allowed.
As we have been studying Isaiah, the writers have been trying to work out the problem, if Israel is God's chosen people and nation, how come they have had military defeat after military defeat, leaving them conquered and taken from their homes, communities, and country? Isaiah the prophet and his community stated that God allowed it, and even organized it, as punishment for the Israelites because they have broken their covenant with God and pursued other idols, other nations, wealth, and power. All the while forgetting to work for justice, welcoming the stranger, and lifting up the poor. If they had but returned to God with repentance and just works, God would have protected them. But in the end, God will heal them, lift them up, return them to their homeland and houses, and then all people and all the world will be see God's kingdom of peace, abundance, and justice come upon us.
When Jesus was walking upon this planet and carrying out his ministry. The nation of Israel was occupied by the Roman Empire for quite a while. And though there were always rebellions and a strong desire for freedom, we really don't see Jesus actively take part. It wasn't that Jesus approved of his Roman occupiers or was indifferent to the suffering of his fellow countrymen, Jesus focus was on the kingdom of God, not just freeing the kingdom of Israel. This does not mean that Jesus ignored it or supported it. Jesus proclaiming a new kingdom is at hand is a direct slap in the face and contradiction of the Roman Empire. Jesus during his trial said he didn't answer to Pilate as an authority and that he call on his army of 10,000 angels to come and fight. Effectively telling Pilate that Jesus was in control here, not Pilate or the Roman occupiers.
In our scripture today, the Pharisees, who are often portrayed as the villains, come to warn Jesus that his life is in danger from Herod, the ruler of Galilee, Jesus doesn't back down or shrink, but calls him out as a predator, one who is power hungry, stealing from others, and is not a lion who has power, but a fox who is sly and cunning. Jesus doesn't call on his followers to rise up and overthrow the Romans or to assassinate Herod. He tells them to tell Herod that he will go on with his ministry and proclaiming the kingdom of heaven and there is little that Herod can do about it. Jesus then turns his attention to Jerusalem and cries out for them, for their protection and safety, but also for the fact that the prophets that have been sent to it are often stoned or killed. The leaders and people were not willing to listen and hear about God's kingdom, concerned only about themselves. Jesus knows full well what awaits him in Jerusalem for it has been repeated time after time. As Ecclesiastes would say, "There is nothing new under the sun."
The war and violence seems to be powerful and an effective and efficient way of conducting world affairs and getting what a dictator or country wants, the real result is that the damage done to the country invading, in the long run, is not worth the cost. What I think is becoming apparent to us in the United States with our two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that there even if there is initial success, what comes after isn't easy, it's hard, difficult, and maybe impossible to get the ends we want by starting with violence. I truly hope that the Russian people will see this as well and they will work to choose a different path in ending this war and starting in a new direction. What the Bible does show us (and history), that even if the war could stop today, there will be still be innocents who are going die and suffer, and it will take generations for healing.
How much do we get involved with our military and the world against this invasion is a discussion worth having. Even if the full force of NATO was brought to bear; would this turn into WW III, would nuclear weapons be involved, and when Russia was pushed out would there be peace and not just safety? But I am encouraged that military force isn't the only thing to consider here. With the world denouncing and boycotting Putin and Russia, other forces and ways of peacemaking are being brought to bear. The Ukrainians are outmatched militarily, but their spirit and desire for freedom are shown front and center and there will be no victory for Russia I believe. Millions of people around the world are fighting with symbols, prayers, marches, songs, and a common spirit that proclaims everyone deserves peace and freedom.
Let us continue to pray for the safety of the Ukrainians and for peace to find its way into Russia, their people, their military, and their leaders. Let us find ways to support the refugees and those who are staying and protecting their country, their communities, and their homes and families. Let us continue to denounce any aggression where there is a seat of power that ignores God's call to love and care for all humanity, for the least of these, and for the world. Let us proclaim that there is a kindom of God. There is a power greater than war and violence and love will win out in the end. The lion and the lamb will lie down together. Peace, Shalom, and Love.
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