Hello,
As I write this, the world is anxiously waiting for the upcoming summit between the leaders of the United States and Russia. The hope is that a deal will be reached that will bring an end to the war in Ukraine that is causing so much death and suffering. It is hard to see how peace can be reached though, without a representative for Ukraine present in the talks.
In Psalm 34:14, the author writes “turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (ESV). This verse suggests that there needs to be more than just words expressing a desire to end the war and stop the atrocities – we must actively take the steps necessary for peace to happen.
As we wait for a resolution to this conflict (and the other conflicts raging across the world), there is comfort to be found in another verse in the Psalm, “the LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
God is present with all of those who are suffering from man’s inhumanity to man, whether they be Ukrainian or Russian, Israeli or Palestinian, and, the good news is that this is not just words, he has saved all of us through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
If we are truly pursuing peace, the answer is not to be found in the leaders of the nations (no matter how powerful the nations are). It is to be found in Jesus.
Warm regards,
About the Writer:
Gavin Henderson is the National Ministry Leader for GCI in the UK and Ireland.