Non-intervention or intervention

My take on Syria, I have two thoughts here:

As an American, I don't believe America should get involved miltarily here or anywhere. America doesn't need another war and history has shown military interventions are bloody disasters. We don't know who's good or bad in Syria's civil war. We don't know for certain who did the chemical attack. Launching those cruise missles was a mistake. And going to war in Syria could have widespread ramifications like possibly starting World War III. So, I'm an non-interventionist when it comes to foreign policy and  believe that seeking friendship with every nation possible is the key to a safer and freer world.

As a Kingdom of God person, I believe the church in America as well as the world should get involved in that war-torn country. We should do what we can to alleviate the suffering of those affected by this civil war. We can do that through medical aid, food, clothing, and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We should support the churches and pastors in Syria. Maybe we can even help rebuild destroyed towns or homes. In other words, the church should be doing everything possible to show the love of Christ to those people. I believe the Gospel is the only way for true peace, hope, and liberty to that region and the world.

So where does that leave us? Should we intervene or not? This depends on the assumptions you have.

It's important to note that the kingdoms of the world and the Kingdom of Christ are radically different from each other. If we lose that distinction, we might be asking the wrong questions and getting the wrong answers.

The kingdoms of this world will use brute force on people to get its way. The Kingdom of God will show love to people so that they can see Jesus.

Can the politcal divide be healed?

Regardless of who wins this election, the fact that this remains is that this nation, I'm talking about the United States, is extremely divided. It's not just in liberal or conservative viewpoints they are divided on. People have extremely different worldviews on morals and on society in general.

Is there anyway we can heal this divide?

I'm afraid to say this: no. There isn't any policy change or political movement that can change this. The kingdoms of this world, the governments, are inherently broken and Satan controls them in varying degrees (Revelation 13). The people of this world are also broken and some are blinded by the god of the age, who is Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Not to mention, that politics is based on power over others (Matthew 20:25-28). It also based on divisiveness, such as dissension and factions, which is the fruit of our flesh (Galatians 5:20).

But there is hope but it doesn't come from us. It only come from Jesus Christ. Jesus has already paved for unity for us.

His death on the cross tore down the wall between Jews and Gentiles (people of non-Jewish origin). See Ephesians 2 from Scripture on how Jesus did this. The significance of his death speaks volume. It not only tore down the wall between each other but also the division between us and God (Matthew 27:51). Why did Jesus do this. It's because He loved us. Think of the radical implications here.

So how can we practically show Jesus's love for humanity towards each other. First, we must be followers of King Jesus. He will gives us His Spirit, so that we act radically different than this world (John 14:26, Romans 8:9-11, Galatians 5:16).

The Spirit of Christ (also known as The Holy Spirit or the Spirit of God) will gives us the power to love each other to be peaceful, patient, and kindness to one another (Galatians 5:22).

You have may seen the Coexist bumper stickers. I can't judge someone's motive for putting this on their vehicle. But if you are truly looking for the ultimate coexistence, it can only found in the Lord Jesus Christ. His kingdom is about love, justice, and truth. You will find the ultimate Coexist in His Kingdom.  

This isn't some airy-fairy stuff. Following Jesus and implementing His love might spare us from societal collapse or nuclear Armageddon. In other words, if we love each other like Jesus did for humanity, we can ensure the survival of our species and this planet.  

But what I saying is this: we can't heal this deep divide on our own; we can only be healed by King Jesus's love and power.

Let me leave you with the words from Jesus Christ:

"With man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,"

Can peace emerge from a wrecked weekend

The United States accidentally bombed Syrian troops on Saturday because they thought it was ISIS. But some doubt the sincerity of that claim and claim the US sides with ISIS. Whether this was an accident or not, only God knows. I don't know which way is true. Then also over the weekend, you have explosions happen in New York and New Jersey caused by a terror suspect.  Now whether this is connected in any way, I don't know. 

Where am I going with this? This world is a powder keg ready to explode. But is there a way a diffuse it?  Maybe, in the short run through diplomacy. But in the long run, sadly no. Why? It's because the kingdoms of this world can't. They are inherently based on brute force and power over others. Fighting, divisions conquest, and war is the water they drink. Randolph Bourne said it best:

"War is the Health of the State."

Sadly, it is. They thrive off it. Otherwise, they will shrivel up and dine. While stated in Romans 13 from the Bible, God uses the sword to punish the evildoers, it's also shown in Revelation 13, the State or the kingdoms of this world, are shown as a ferocious beast backed by Satan. For goodness sake's the system is described as a brute in this chapter. What a double-edge sword the government is. So what do we do?

There is hope. But it wouldn't be solved by political means or looking to the governments of this world. The hope is found in Jesus Christ.  He gives us peace, but not like the fleeting peace of this world. It's a different kind of peace. It's a peace that more meaningful and more lasting and transcends the politics of this world (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7). So how do we get this peace?

This peace can only be found in Jesus. If we follow Jesus as the Lord over our lives, He will transform us into a people of love, peace, and truth. He is not like the tyrants of this world. Jesus is caring and loving and give us peace. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, his yoke is easy and his burden is light. He is not like the tyrants of this world, who will weigh you down and crush you. Jesus is gentle and humble and will lift you up.

If we submit our lives to King Jesus, he shows us how to be peaceful and loving to others. As a matter of fact, His command to His disciples in John 13:34 is to love one another as He loved them. 

Imagine, what the world be like if we were loving towards each others. When I mean love, it's not the world's way of understanding. It's Christ's way of understanding it.

So in short, can peace emerge from a wrecked weekend? Yes, it can. But we can't look to the kingdoms of this world to solve it. We can only look to the Kingdom of God and the King who sits on the throne there.