They are known as "The Greatest Generation" for good reason. The world would look completely different today if they had not answered the call, and I thank the Lord that we still have these few men who survived that terrible war in which it is estimated 50-75 million died worldwide (including both military personnel and civilians). The numbers of the Greatest Generation are dwindling fast, and soon we will have no one to give their testimony and provide evidence of the reasons and consequences for war. And it is vitally important that we understand why war exists and how we should take it into consideration.
Of course, our human minds often come into conflict with our hearts and spirits when contemplating war. Most of us would agree that war is undesirable. It leads to fear, disruption in our lives, destroys our peace, threatens our lives and those we love, and for many, results in death. It would be the last resort for most of earth's peace-loving citizens. But we cannot ignore that from the beginning of time, we've had an Enemy that stirs the passions of men for war, for when he can incite the nations to war against each other, "the minds and hearts of the people are diverted from the work of preparation to stand in the day of God" [Ellen G. White]. And we cannot deny that there are men who take advantage of such passions for war for personal gain and profit. Obviously, God does not condone nor approve of these motives.
But does that mean He never advocates war? I think everyone would agree that He grieves over the misery, misfortune, and affliction that accompanies war. He did not create us to experience such adversity. But because sin has entered His creation, and the Enemy still rules on the earth, man's rebellion against God and his fellow man will inevitably result in wars. And that possibility introduces a new conflict to our moral psyche... the clash of opposing options, if you will -- Knowing that God abhors war, do we compromise in order to avoid war? But that leads me to a series of questions that I have asked before. If there is a battle between Good and Evil, doesn't God want us to take a stand and defeat Evil? And does that necessitate war to gain victory? If it's true that we can't compromise or concede our way to a complete and fulfilled victory -- we tried that with Hitler in WW2 -- then don't we have to be willing to fight and go to war?
From God's perspective, let's look at a couple of texts in Scripture. King David, who was a man after God's own heart, wrote Praise be to the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me [Psalm 144]. During our lifetimes, God is always training us for warfare - both physical and spiritual, and in each battle, He is trying to teach us something: how to live righteously in the midst of increasing evil.
And then there is Ecclesiastes 3, in which King David's heir apparent, King Solomon, received superior wisdom in order to discern between good and evil. He wrote, There is a season [a time appointed] for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven. And who appointed these seasons? God!! Solomon goes on to write, [There is] a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. Now, Scripture says these appointed times and events come from God for His purpose under Heaven. It's easy for us to question the reasons for some of God's decisions, but if we believe that Scripture is the inerrant Word of God, then we must accept that there may be wars that He finds justifiable.
To the extent that you can accept these arguments, let me remind you of a quote I posted from Messianic Pastor Asher Intrater in Israel shortly after the October 7th atrocities in his country. The Good Pastor said, "God wants you to know war. That is hard for some to grasp. Fighting in moral, spiritual, and military warfare is part of walking in faith. To fear God is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13). If we haven't been through war, we miss some aspects of faith: Fighting a war demands obedience, discipline, holiness, faithfulness, courage, sacrifice, a victorious spirit, punishment of evil, justice, and salvation". [I guess this is where what Satan meant for evil [war], God can use for His good -- all the aforementioned]. The Pastor went on, "Messiah Yeshua is not only the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); He is also the Commander of the Armies", as stated in Revelation 19:11, And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who was riding it is called Faithful and True (trustworthy, loyal, incorruptible, steady), and in righteousness He judges and wages war [on the rebellious nations].
When I was a child the enormity of WW2 and how it encompassed the entire world seemed like ancient history, yet here we find ourselves only 80 years later with even more devastating prospects and consequences of war at our doorstep. Are the nations so far gone that Almighty God is ready to command the angelic trumpets to sound and send Jesus to tread the wine press of His fierce wrath, in judgment of the rebellious world? At His first coming, Christ was dipped in His own blood for mankind's redemption. Is He now set to mount up as the Head of Heaven's armies, dressed in a robe dipped in the blood of the wicked for mankind's judgment?
Only God knows when that time or season of His appointment to the Final War will take place. But I cannot dismiss that we may [or will] experience a cataclysmic war on the way to our ultimate Victory against Satan and Evil. I only know that however and whenever war comes, I must remain steadfast in my hope and trust in the Lord. I will proclaim His Greatness, Mercy, Love, Glory, Justice, and Righteousness in all the circumstances that may befall our nation. I am ready to receive His judgment as well as His compassion and to represent Him to foe and friend alike, to the best of my abilities. I will take captive all thoughts of fear and anxiety; any feelings of hate or revenge, and I will endeavor to stay focused on the Holy Spirit [in me] to guide me in the ways of my Deliverer. Lord, let me stand ready to fight or to lay down my sword -- whatever you command me. Just let Your Goodness and Your Peace cover this world. We are growing weary of the Enemy and his dominance over men's hearts. We long to see You manifest in the earth once more. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Hebrews 10:37, 39 For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay... But our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by this confident faith preserve the soul.
