Another war is underway. At this point our nation is not involved, but those who have been around a while know that could change. We have a way of getting involved in conflicts around the world.

We certainly need to remember the people of the Ukraine in our prayers. We should also pray for the people of Russia, many of whom are no doubt not pleased with this act of aggression. In fact, while we’re at it, let’s pray for the world, because we all need it right now.

Something we need to remember is that in all this, God will be working His purposes. That does not mean this armed conflict is His will, but he can and does use all things – even evil – to accomplish his purpose (Romans 8:28).

You may not have thought of it this way, but Jesus was born into an occupied country. Israel had been the world super-power under David, but that changed. After years of chasing after other gods, the true God allowed others to take military and political control of the world: Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes and Persians, Greeks, and finally the Romans. But in all this God was still in control.

Jesus was born into a country that was occupied by Roman soldiers and subject to Rome’s control. Roman soldiers are mentioned repeatedly in the New Testament, some of them interacting with Jesus and His followers. The Roman governor is even mentioned in the Apostle’s Creed! Jesus took on human flesh in an occupied country to accomplish the salvation of the world. The people were hoping for deliverance from the Romans, but God provided something greater: forgiveness, life and salvation.

Jesus came redeem us all. We are sinners who needed His help. Jesus came and kept the Commandments perfectly. He was tempted as we are, but did not sin. And then he laid down His perfect life in payment for our sin. Yes, the Roman government allowed it to happen, but God was still in control. Jesus willingly died in our place (John 10:17-18).

Roman soldiers beat Him, mocked Him, and then crucified Him. Jesus prayed that they would be forgiven for what they did. Then He died, accomplishing His mission, and the centurion who witnessed it all declared“Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). On the third day, when Jesus rose again, we were guaranteed victory over death as well. God’s purpose was fulfilled.

Here on earth kingdoms will rise and fall. Wars will continue. We were warned about those things.

Psalm 46:6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

Mark 13:7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

But God continues to be in control. By faith in Jesus, we are part of His kingdom which will never end, a kingdom that is out of this world. We are already a part of that kingdom by the grace of God and will one day enter His presence for eternity.

Lord, thanks for being in control. Remind us of that as we hear of wars and rumors of war. Be with those being impacted by this latest conflict. Turn our hearts back to you, that we may know your love and grace and mercy and follow you all the days of our lives. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.