By Stan Florez
Club1
“There is a time to be born and there’s a time to die … There is a time to kill and there’s a time to heal … There is a time to love and there’s a time to hate. There is a time for war and there’s a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
With Memorial Day just passing I would first like to thank all those who have served or are serving in our military, with special gratitude for those who paid the ultimate price.
I know some from my generation view Jesus as the ultimate role model for a good “hippie and flower child.” After all he had long hair, preached love and peace, turned the other cheek, stood up against the establishment, lived on the road not knowing where he was going to sleep or get his next meal, wore little more than a poncho and sandals and he sure made some mighty fine wine.
The point I am trying to make – in jest and to rib a fellow pastor friend, Kim J. Latterell – is that we can all view Jesus from either extreme if we focus on only the character and actions we favor. It’s easy for us to accept the characteristics and behaviors of an “all loving” and benevolent savior, but how do we deal with those passages that demonstrate another side?
In the Old Testament we see numerous times where God instructed his people to take up arms, destroy an enemy and protect their country at all costs. Even with God leading the charge, in most cases his own people suffered the loss of life. I would say that we live in an imperfect world and sometimes war is necessary. Unfortunately even good people die and pay the ultimate price. War is not sterile and is often HELLacious. But until the earth is restored to its heavenly design, we will need to fight and even die for our freedoms and beliefs.
Some may say, “Well, that was God’s call and not the teachings of Jesus.” I would respond, isn’t Jesus God (the second person in the trinity or God incarnate)? Another response might be, “we live under the new covenant.” I would agree and then point out some of the teachings found in the New Testament. Jesus said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matt 10:34-35). According to last book in the Bible, the next time we see Jesus on earth he will be riding a white horse, sword in hand and leading the armies of heaven in the bloodiest battle yet. However, the enemy is defeated, his kingdom is established and eternal peace is restored (Rev. 19:11-21).
So, does this pastor advocate violence and vengeance? No, not hardly. That’s the other extreme. I am a man of peace; but just try to hurt my family and friends, invade or harm my country, or try to take away my religious freedoms – and brother, you will have a fight on your hands.
Peace be with you.
See you in church.
