Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:13 - “As the ancient proverb says, ‘Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness’; but my hand shall not be against you.”
Written on February 23, 2022.
I am on vacation, but I wanted to send out a quick message. Yesterday, ironically as I was waiting in line for a ride called “Rise of the Resistance”, I heard about the preliminary invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, declaring parts of that country to be “independent.” It infuriates me that parties can violate the sovereignty of other countries and flout international law and get away with it. It made me wonder how we should “resist” the powers of evil in our lives, near and far.
Part of me wants my country to put an end to this at all cost. Some of my friends from college as well as my doctor hail from the Ukraine. But my faith teaches me that nothing good can come from evil acts.
In the story of the conflict between King Saul and the fugitive David, King Saul once made a, shall we say, “pit stop” in a cave where David and his men were hiding. The men said that Lord had delivered their enemy into their hands and that David should strike. David was conflicted. He ended up cutting off the corner of Saul’s cloak, and even then felt bad about striking even a harmless blow against the king to whom he vowed loyalty and that God had anointed. Later, when David and Saul confronted each other, David spoke of his mercy in the cave. He said, “As the ancient proverb says, ‘Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness’; but my hand shall not be against you.” David knew that even victory would mean nothing if it was based on a wicked or cowardly act.
So as we as a country ponder to what degree we will reply to these kinds of acts of aggression, we must seek God’s guidance and God’s mercy. Despite our frustrations, we must seek first prayer, even if easy but wicked solutions fall into our laps. Continue to pray with me in the days ahead for peace and justice to endure. For in the end, God always triumphs.
Prayer: God, make me a vessel of your peace when all seems shattered and help me put my faith in my Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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