to the ending of the world

This past week PBS has broadcast the new 14-hour World War II documentary by Ken Burns called the "The War." I have always been interested in history since I was in grammar school. Most of my reading outside work-related stuff and the Bible is usually a history type book. Two recommended books I read after I saw the movies are "We Were Soldiers Once... and Young" by Harold Moore and "Band of Brothers" by Stephen Ambrose. Both movies were well done. However, the books are more important because the humbling stories of the lives of these soldiers capture the real tragedy that is war. This focus is also primary in "The War"; a terrifying and heartbreaking journey with the soldiers and the American towns they came from.

We are reminded that war has always been with us since the beginning of time from the first world war in Genesis 14:8-24 to today's war on terror. We know the purpose of armies are to kill people and break things. We seem doomed to repeat the horrific tragedy, heartbreaking loss and destroyed lives beyond recognition, over and over and over again. 10,000 years of human history and we have never stopped warring among ourselves. A constant struggle, a never ending conflict for power, land conquest and political control.

Why? Sin exists. Evil exists. Remember "your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

We have hope. Hope in the redemption of His story. Throughout scripture we see God's grace, love and salvation through Jesus Christ. Although, we battle sin and fight against evil, we know the war, the war against sin, is already won. In His coming and His coming again… "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

Let's pray for all our soldiers fighting today. Remember their sacrifice for the greater good. For love of country. Protection of our families. To battle evil and establish freedom.

May the church rise up and define for this generation, why we fight. May the church reveal The Light that dispels the darkness. May the church, built within each believer, in our individual influence, wherever we are, whomever we are with, tell His Story of faith, hope and love.

"From this day to the ending of the world
We in it shall be remembered
We band of brothers"