Tuesday Syria used chemical weapons against innocent men, women and children. Thursday the United States responded with a missile strike that took out one of Syria’s airfields. A message was sent against evil, and we pray that it will prove decisive. That military action is in accord with a biblical principle: Government “is the servant of God, an avengers who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer…. He does not bear the sword in vain” (Romans 13:4). Will it prove a small but positive step toward more stability in our present chaotic world? God knows, and we pray that God will guide.
Almighty and eternal God, You sit above this world and over the fleeting nations of this world. In Your kingdom there is justice and mercy, but among the nations of the world we have dangerous and vain strivings for power. We humbly pray that You give wisdom to the leaders of the United States and the leaders of all nations as they move forward after yesterday’s military action. May future time show that they were Your servants for good. Guide their counsels so that they move the world to sincere diplomacy and away from more military conflict. Amidst so much sin, suffering, and threatening danger in today’s world, make us humble supplicants of Your justice and mercy for our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Next week is Holy Week, and I pray that it will be a holy time, a sanctifying time for you and yours. Diane and I will take off from the Minute and give ourselves to what is most important.
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