Powers and Forces

Many empires have come and gone, having crumbled or been defeated by other empires. Today, one hardly ever speaks of an empire. There is still a Chinese Empire and just over 70 years ago, Germany unfortunately had the 3rd Empire. Today one refers to countries or powers.

And nearly every country and world power is conducting some kind of war. The war is either within or with other countries, so that the country or rulers can retain their position or enlarge themselves. We in Europe are also partaking in the fight on many frontiers. We are also fighting domestically. Against the right-extremists and, since New Years Eve, also against criminal migrants. The country must and wants to protect its people. Our human rights and our cultural achievements need to be protected. And that is only possible in this world with police and military assistance.

How different it is in God's Kingdom! Jesus said that His Kingdom is not of this world. It is not a world power, it is a heavenly power. And other rules apply there. In Matthew 26:53 Jesus said: ''Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?'' God has more power on this earth then all the armies of the world combined. But, this is not His will. Jesus, the King of Kings allowed Himself to be captured, tortured and crucified. The earthly life is just a sometimes pleasant, sometimes unpleasant stopover. What comes thereafter, is what counts. A separation will take place here. Those who have not accepted Him will go into eternal damnation and those who follow Him will live in eternal bliss. In eternal heaven there will be no war, no pain and no tears. Eternal peace as we, here on earth, have never experienced, will be eternal reality there.

But, we are still living on earth and are faced with the conflict, on the one side to defend our freedom and on the other side to obey the command by Jesus to love our enemies. This is a tightrope from which we should not lean over to either side. God also helped His nation against their worldly enemies, but it is vital that we, in our earthly conduct, do not give ourselves over to hate and rage.

When we have adverseries here on earth, we need to treat them with heavenly measures. They are also God's creation.

So I wish you a blessed day, with blessed encounters.

Rainer Gigerich