Why Is There War in Ukraine?
The war in Ukraine has me asking whether the people of Ukraine had been, like Job, fearing God and shunning evil. In other words, were they building their lives on faith in God and righteousness? It’s a rhetorical question, for they are not unlike most people in every nation of the world who go about life with little thought for God, mounting up judgment upon themselves.
The Hope for Ukraine, Russia, and all Nations
In a post, A Time of Peace, Joy, Judgment, and Wrath, I wrote of the hope found in Isaiah 2 for the people of Ukraine and all other nations. It includes one of the most beautiful pictures of restoration between people and God and between one another found in the Bible. Pray that God sends more workers into Ukraine with His gospel and the entire word of God so that they may rebuild with Christ in the center.
God Has Promised Judgment and Wrath
A closer look at Revelation allows one to see that wars and pandemics are just some ways that judgment comes from God upon people. If the war in Ukraine is a judgment on seemingly good people, one can imagine what is in store for our nations and, especially, those not yet saved. And think what judgment is in store for Putin and Russia if they do not repent and seek God’s mercy.
“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:30-31).
As I write, the Russians appear to be preparing their people for a protracted war in Ukraine and their Foreign Minister spoke ominously of the potential for World War III. Hopefully, it’s just a ruse.
Fear God
And what of those who are saved? How are we to live? Are we in need of the discipline of God?*
“Since everything will be destroyed [by fire] what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Pet. 3:11-13).
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10).
“Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others” (2 Cor. 5:11).
*For more on Jesus judging His churches, and those in them, as well as people in the world, you can read, Don’t Say the J Word, a post I wrote during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rob Morley
Real Church Life 