The Blog of Columbus, Georgia

Friday, September 14, 2007

for 15 SEP 07: PEACE, LOVE AND SOULS

(BLOGGER'S NOTE: You may find this item humorous, serious, or a little of both - but we offer these thoughts from time to time, as we keep a seventh-day Sabbath.)

"Would you like to write a soldier?" a man asked me the other night. When Fort Benning units are deployed overseas, it's a bit hard to say no to such a question. Somebody might take your picture, and report you to "God Bless Fort Benning" for a hall of shame.

The September 11 commemoration at Columbus State University this past week included a table with giant blank postcards. Visitors like me were invited to write messages to soldiers - with the cards apparently being distributed randomly. Hopefully no one wrote a promise that a certain presidential candidate would bring them home in no time.

What would you write a soldier, on the spur of the moment? I didn't have anything prepared, so I sat down and wrote about what's on my mind these days. Before you jump to conclusions - no, the undefeated Kansas football team was not mentioned once.

Here's a rough paraphrase of what I wrote on the postcard: "May the God of peace soon bring the Prince of Peace, so that no one has to study war any more." Somehow I have the feeling this card will be routed through a chaplain's office....

Many Christians who keep the fall holy day season such as "Rosh Hashanah" and "Yom Kippur" see the coming of Christ in them. He's described by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah as the "Prince of Peace." Yet the New Testament book of Revelation indicates when He comes, "with justice he judges and makes war." So those old "make love, not war" bumper stickers may become very obsolete.

Revelation 19 goes on to suggest the second coming will bring a lot of deaths - with nations to be struck down. What sort of "Prince of Peace" is this? Apparently one who follows the books about "tough love" - as in love Me or else.

But if you stop reading Revelation right there, you'll misunderstand the plan. Chapter 20 talks about a resurrection of the dead, to face the judgment of God. I'm led to believe that even the people Jesus will kill in the second coming will be brought back to life. Maybe THEIR "second coming" will be much happier and more peaceful than the first.

After attending a program for peace at the Phenix City Amphitheater six years ago, I prepared a Bible study on the topic. You might find it thought-provoking - but I think peace is something we all could use. Some Christians want all terrorists obliterated. Some Muslims call for "jihad" - and if they're now going after Britney Spears, this is becoming very serious.

May your weekend be filled with peace - as well as all the days ahead. A more peaceful approach will mean less road rage. It could reduce the recent crime surge in Columbus. And who knows - maybe someday the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation will have teachers from S.O.A. Watch.

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