Five Years of Iraq War

Matthew 4:20 (NIV)
Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called sons of God

On 20^th March 2003, 05:33 local time, severe explosions rocked the streets of Baghdad marking the beginning of a treacherous battle for resolving long standing conflict with Iraq.

The US lead allied forces started the war for a ‘Regime Change’ in Iraq. Through war, the allied forces want to disarm Iraq of harmful weapons, end Saddam Hussain’s support to terrorism and want to give freedom to Iraqi people. Despite of UN disapproval, despite of several proposed compromises by Iraq, despite of anti war cries by millions of people around the globe, despite of UN Inspectors reporting absence of harmful weapons, US decided for a full fledged war against Iraq.

In the beginning, Saddam never thought that the US is going for a serious decisive war! And on the other side, Mr. Bush never imagined the astonishing complexity of this war.

But finally, here we are, after 5 years of war- the country in shambles with a million deaths and displaced population of 5 million. The country is pushed into a civil war, while the total war costs are projected at 3 trillion USD (not billion!). And we really don’t know where we are, whether in the beginning or at the end.

This is the war at the wrong scale, wrong time and for wrong reasons. After years, every body repented- Colin Powell, Tony Blair, Jose Maria Aznar- but not George Bush. Mr. Bush still maintains that his decision for war was right, is right and will be right.

The church had made statements against war now and then. Several church groups were involved in providing humanitarian assistance to the people affected by war. But I am not sure whether the Church would be able to say that she remained faithful to the calling of being a ‘Peace Makers’.

God calls the Church to participate in Gods Mission of peace building between God and humanity, and between humanity themselves. This involves recognition of social, cultural and economic differences between different communities, while promoting justice, equality and togetherness in the society.

In one sense, Iraq war is the result of the failure of Peace Makers with in the participating countries and with in the humanity as a whole. It’s the failure of diplomacy, failure of rationale and failure of respect for each other. We need more than peace rallies, signing letters, statements and declarations. We need to model peace building, with in our families, with in the Church, with in our various denominations, and with in our immediate society.

Now what next? Iraq will be under the occupation of US for another 15 years, or till the demand for Iraqi oil is reduced, which ever is earlier. Several challenges are ahead of us- restoring peace and security, rebuilding the country and healing the society are prominent among them. The future of Iraq is in the hands of ‘Sons of God’ or Peace Makers! Its for them to decide what we do with it!

History of Nations: Kosovo

Psalm 82:8 (NIV)
Arise, O God, judge the earth!
For it is You who possesses all the nations

When the Kosovo hit the headlines as a new republic, I started reflecting on God’s intentions for the people of Kosovo. God’s Intention for the world reaches its ultimate conclusion with the second coming of Jesus Christ. Mean while, God is quite active in shaping the history of each and every nation/ people, irrespective of any religious or historical background. It’s interesting to see how God is shaping the history of Kosovo at this point of time.

‘Kosovo’ is the newest country in the world map, which declared Independence unilaterally from Serbian Republic on 17^th February 2008. Even though the world still needs to recognize its independence, it has already received partial international recognition. The Kosovo Republic consists of 92% ethnic Albanians and majority of them are Muslims. The protestant population is estimated to be less than 1%.

While Orthodox Christians dominated till 15^th Century, Ottaman Empire started Islamisation of Albanians and initiated exclusive Muslim rule which saw persecution and exodus of Christians to the northern parts. The end of the Second World War saw formation of Communist Yugoslavia, which disintegrated into several independent countries based on ethno-religious backgrounds. Kosovo is the latest in that series.

Some countries declared the unilateral declaration of Independence as illegal. Several countries are concerned about uprising of pro independence groups with in those countries. But most of these movements arise out of brutal injustice and deprivation of dignity which is unbearable for God.

Since the creation, God’s involvement in History follows a rhythmic cycle of raise and fall of nations. Through these interventions, Gods intends to establish His Kingdom marked by Justice, Peace and Spiritual fulfillment.

Goodness of Creation

Genesis 1:31 (NIV)

God saw all that he had made, and it was very Good.

God is definitely distinct from Creation, but He has a deep interest in creation. His interest does not arise out of natural necessity, but out of His free love and grace.

When God created, everything was good, and was in complete harmony with each other. The harmonious nature came to perfection when he made mankind ‘in His own image and likeness’.

God did not made creation for man, but he made man out of his own divine plan. God appointed man to take care of the creation, while He is still the owner.

Justice and Mercy

Luke 6:36 (NIV)

Be merciful, just as your father is merciful!

While Justice is the supreme character of God, Mercy is his behaviour. God’s Mercy is absolute which required His own death on the Cross. Mercy is the sacrificial act towards an undeserved person.

Mercy is defined using Justice as a bench mark. Justice defines what each one deserves for their acts. But Mercy moves beyond Justice, it understands the sinful nature of man, and shows compassion. It allows forgiveness and repentance, It promotes transformation.

Justice is what we deserve, while mercy is what we don’t deserve. Justice can be administered by anybody who knows rules and regulations. But Mercy comes from a heart which understands Mercy shown on them by the act on the cross.

Kingdom of Justice

Amos 5:24 (NIV)
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Justice is the supreme character of God and His Kingdom. When God administers justice, He is simply being Himself. So, it is measured with reference to God’s Character.

Justice looks very ambiguous with out proper knowledge of God. Because, the character of God is the absolute standard for justice and our awareness of this moral standard is part of our having been created in the image of God.

God is little interested in sacrificial offerings, impressive temples and inspiring activities. But he wants Justice to flow naturally from every individual. The quest for justice is a by product of the pursuit of God over all other things