Friday, October 10, 2014

Friday, October 10, 2014

Micah 3:9-4:5

The issue most on my mind these last few days has been the ongoing debate regarding Canadian military involvement against ISIL. There is no simple solution to this conflict, yet we mean to put an end to terrorist aggression through the use of violence and fear; we seek the “quick fix.” But as Micah rebukes the rulers in Jerusalem in the passage, we “cannot build Zion with blood.” 

You cannot have peace through war. Violence only begets an unending cycle; it is always a thoughtless response to a thoughtless action. Why do we not consider the long-term liberation of a people? Though a course of violence may eliminate a threat temporarily, the threat will soon return if we do nothing to address the root problems. We must cooperate with peoples around the world to provide food, water, education, employment – the elements that guarantee the dignity of each person – or we risk returning to the unending cycles of warfare. 

Micah gives a vision of the future: when there is no war, and when people are welcomed into the houses of all and feel the presence of God. This vision is not built in blood or violence, but through the just actions of rulers and peoples who listen to the word of God that calls for all to have dignity. This is the “Jerusalem”: seen by John, dreamed by God, and taught by Jesus. 

And it is possible. 

But we must say no to war. This week, take time to pray that our leaders will stand against the use of violence. And then pray for “Jerusalem” around the world.  

- Josh Zentner-Barrett