[This reflection was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 20/March/2022]
The recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine has dominated news headlines for the last couple of weeks. We have gone from the perhaps naïve notion that such a war could not happen in present day Europe to staring in disbelief at some of the images from the conflict zones.
Reactions have varied. Some are very angry with the aggressor and feel that it is important to retaliate with a show of strength (an eye for an eye), others are overwhelmed with pity for the oppressed and have responded with open arms to welcome refugees and to procure aid to help those caught up in bunkers and other places where they are seeking safety and shelter. Many don’t quite know how to pray, but almost all, I think, would like to see this war end quickly.
I have felt guilty at the fact that sometimes I have had to turn away from the news feeds, partly because it was hard to watch, but also partly because I wasn’t sure that I was being told the whole story. Where does one turn to if there is a chance that the news could be at worst fake, or on the other hand, just not the full picture? How does one pray for the situation?
A couple of things to ponder:
1 – A lesson to learn from the war in Ukraine is that the peace we have is fragile, and we need to be careful to look after it and guard it well. It may not take very much for that peace to be shattered. When Jesus was teaching his disciples about how to manage conflict, he said in Matthew 5:23-24, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift”.
A few verses earlier, Jesus had said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God”. Jesus’ example (and we are called to follow him), was not one of vengeance, retaliation, or an eye for an eye. It was one of forgiveness and reconciliation.
How should we pray for the situation in Ukraine?
Let us pray for peace.
2 – Jesus, on the cross, died not for the sins of a select few, but for all. The aggressor and the oppressed are both precious in his sight. The apostle Peter puts it this way “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”. 2 Peter 3 verse 9.
Picture a parent with two children whom he loves dearly, one of whom has offended the other. The offended sibling is now out to exact revenge and cause grievous harm to the other child. However much the other child deserves to be punished, the parent would rather that forgiveness is offered, and that reconciliation happens between them. Much as one would want to see justice, it is worth remembering James 2 verse 13 which states that: “mercy triumphs over judgment”. We in our sins, deserved God’s judgment, but in Christ, He showed us His mercy.
How should we pray for the situation in Ukraine?
Let us pray that mercy will triumph over judgment, so brothers and sisters can be reconciled to each other.
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Contributed by David Makanjuola; © the Author
