WAR

By Dave Walker | July 20, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

How does God see it? And how should we pray?

I have been wrestling with what has been the hottest topic in the news for months but is now fading somewhat into the background as viewers get weary and want something else to be alarmed about. Of course, I’m talking about the Russia/Ukraine war.

How do I pray about it? What does God say about this phenomenon? What does the Bible say?

Here are my thoughts:

As a prelude, let’s look at the character of God.

THE CHARACTER OF GOD

Firstly,

God is loving.

He doesn’t enjoy seeing His creation suffer. Ezekiel 33:11 says, “’As surely as I live’ declares the sovereign Lord, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways.’”

Death is a consequence of sin, but it’s not what God wants for us.

Secondly,

God is just.

Isaiah 61 says, “I, the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong.”

And Deuteronomy 30:15-18 says, “See, I set before you today, life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God……by loving Him and keeping His commandments…. then you shall live and multiply…

But if your heart turns away and you will not hear but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, then…. You shall surely perish.”

War is not what God wants, but it is what He has ordained as a consequence of evildoing. Laws must have consequences, otherwise they are not laws. If you stepped out of a second story window and sometimes you fell to the ground and at other times you did not, the law of gravity would not be a true law. It’s the same with spiritual laws. There must be consequences. We instinctively know this. When you hear of a man raping a baby, doesn’t something inside you rise up and say, “He must be punished for that”?

Let’s apply that to Russia/Ukraine. Are any of them governed by God’s laws?

Russia is a corrupt, oppressive nation, we know that. The Russian Orthodox Church is sanctioned, but severe restrictions and fines are placed on evangelical Christians.

What about the Ukraine? It has been listed as the second most corrupt nation in Europe, is a popular prostitution and sex tourism destination and a world leader in surrogate pregnancies, where babies are sold as commodities.

Can we say, then, from God’s perspective, that war is a consequence of defying the laws of a just God? I think the answer is obvious.

Thirdly,

God is not authoritarian.

In Deuteronomy 30:15, He says, “See, I set before you, life and prosperity, death and destruction.” And He goes on to say, “Choose life!” The choice, and the consequences, are ours.

Fourthly,

God looks after His own.

Read Psalm 91 or Psalm 25:10

We’ve all heard testimonies of His miraculous provision coming out of this war.

Sometimes it’s physical, sometimes supernatural strength to overcome immense obstacles and sometimes His powerful presence, giving us courage even in the face of death, as in martyrdom.

Now, let’s look at THE NATURE OF WAR

THE NATURE OF WAR

There are two aspects I find in the Bible:

Aspect One

Firstly, war concentrates human misery into one place and time, yet it is the same human misery as all the others that result from sin.

The carnage in the Ukraine rightly horrifies us, but did you know that in South Africa there are 50 murders a day? That’s 18,000 murders every year. And 1,000 deaths from road accidents every month? And nearly 4,000 women raped every month? {and these are reported rapes, which, it is estimated are only a third of actual rapes).

When we understand that this is a small microcosm of what is happening world-wide, we realise that war is merely a distillation of what is happening all the time in a fallen world. It’s as though God is saying, “Here’s the fallen world in technicolor. Turn to Me. This is what it’s like without Me.”

Secondly, all these terrible things start from within.

A boy once asked, “Daddy, how do wars begin?”

“Well, take the First World War,” his dad replied. “It began when Germany invaded Belgium.”

Immediately his wife interrupted him, “Tell the boy the truth. It began because somebody was murdered.”

The husband yanked his head towards her, “Are you answering this question, or am I?”

She walked out of the room in a huff and slammed the door. The dad sat and sulked. The boy interrupted the silence, “Daddy, you don’t have to tell me how wars begin. I think I know now.”

James 4:1-3 says, “what causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

Thirdly, It is the war in our souls that initiates the physical manifestations. Let us see how this plays out in the Russia/Ukraine situation.

Fear. Putin is reacting to the threat of NATO right on his borders.
Greed. Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe, which was once a huge earner for Russia. Putin wants it back.
Pride. Russia has fallen from a powerful union and Putin wants to restore its glory.
Power. The Ukraine wants to join NATO. There is compelling evidence that it was running a lab similar to Wuhan in collaboration with the United States.

The Bible makes it clear that it is this war for our souls that is at the heart of all wars, whether it is a war in the home or a war between nations. That is where it all starts. The cause is the same.

Ephesians 6:12. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

It’s when we lose this battle for our souls that the physical battles are manifest.

Aspect Two.

In the Old Testament, God used people to wage war to inflict judgement on nations for their wickedness.

He used Israel to judge other nations (see 1Samuel 15:17,18)

He used the Assyrians and Babylonians against a disobedient Israel.

Jesus, however, brought a dispensation of grace. We live in an age of grace, and we, as Christians are to extend that grace. It is not our place to wage war as Christians, whether personally or as a nation. We are told to leave room for God’s wrath (Romans 12: 19)

And God will ultimately judge. He personally will wage war on disobedient nations.

Revelations 19:11-16. “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a White Horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire and on his head or many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, Riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God or mighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

We do not wage war on the disobedient, we extend grace. However, we should fear for those who reject him, and warn them. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an angry God.”

So, how should we pray for the Russia/Ukraine situation?

We need to understand that God is primarily interested in His children. His constant cry throughout the Bible is for people to come to Him, to trust him and to come under the protective umbrella of his laws and his grace. So, the way I pray is:

That through this war, many will be drawn into his Kingdom. Often, it is as we are in a tragic situation where we can no longer help ourselves that we cry out to God. I pray for that to happen, so that they will not only experience his protection, but we’ll have the assurance that if the war kills them, they will be with him.
For his children on both sides of the war. In Russia and in Ukraine, there are Christians who are suffering loss of loved ones, loss of livelihood and shelter. Let us pray for God’s powerful presence and his provision and comfort. God is close to the broken hearted. How many of His people are broken hearted? There was a triumphant sound in the voice of the commentator who reported that they estimate a third of Russia soldiers have been killed. My response was a deep sorrow for all those young lives lost and the mourning parents, wives, and children.
War is a tragedy, but all around the world the same suffering is happening as people abandon God and try to run the world without Him. Let this war stir us to realise what the world is like when we leave God out and let it be a stimulus to call out to God for revival. Let us pray that God will take the initiative and make Himself known as He has done in the past.

Why celebrate?

By Dave Walker | December 22, 2020 | Comments 14 comments

There’s only one cause to celebrate, this year

As 2020 draws to a close, there’s hardly cause to welcome 2021 with any sort of joyful anticipation.

Many, suffering ‘lockdown fatigue’ are being more lax about the precautions set in place to stop the spread of Covid 19, and infections are soaring. In a malevolent twist, the virus has taken advantage of this and mutated to a more virulent form. Death, suffering, bereavement and fear are trampling our planet.

Until this year, Christmas, for many, has merely been a prelude to welcoming the New Year. Perhaps God is urging us, now, to focus on the real reason we celebrate, for if we do that, we can look to the future with optimism.

If God can be compassionate enough to come to earth and identify with us to the extent that He feels our pain, shares our joys, demonstrates the true heart of God and then represents us before the Father to take our punishment, He will surely see us through this turbulent time if we will entrust ourselves into His loving, capable hands.

So, let’s celebrate the real Christmas story, and let the Prince of Peace speak into our hearts.

Real Christmas

God gave His Son that all the world
Would have the chance to be with Him.
His glorious presence now was curled
Within the confines of a womb.

His gift to Man took history
And pulled its course away from Hell
Unfathomable mystery
A love that has no parallel.

And now to celebrate His gift
Throughout the world we also give,
With presents for our families
With parties, food and talk of love.

Yet often in this crazy world
We give our gifts, not knowing why
We break the bank to buy the best
We worry it won’t satisfy.

We party with our families
We eat and drink and stay up late
But if in this we exclude Him
There’s nothing left to celebrate.

It all becomes an empty show
That merely gets us deep in debt
And all the feasting and the hype
Can’t heal our pain, nor our regrets.

For though we share our human love
Forget our woes with food and wine
Our loneliness requires a heart
That’s grateful for a love divine.

We need to know a God who cares
Who wants us all to worship Him
To celebrate the way He’s made
To rescue us from all our sin.

If we party, give our gifts
Ignoring Him who’s paid the way
Then ‘Happy Christmas’ is just words
Whose meaning fades with Boxing Day

For always when we celebrate
A God who came to be with us
The next act hovers in the wings
A Saviour hanging from a Cross.

It’s He who rolled away the stone
Conquered death and rose again
Ascended to His heavenly throne
And lives within the hearts of men

It’s not His birth that gives us joy
But why He came — what it was for
That’s why we’re grateful, celebrate
The Baby on a bed of straw

My new book is coming

By Dave Walker | October 23, 2019 | Comments 0 Comment

Listen to your heart

THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

Here I am again, back to the familiar where nothing’s changed. I see I left a shirt on the bed and crockery drip-drying by the sink.

It seems incredible that this place — this home — should be just as I left it, when God’s light is rampant on earth. And I’ve been part of it. What a journey! It was a spur of the moment decision, but the best I’ve ever made. I teamed up with Theo, and we just decided we’d take a road at random and see what village it led to.

The wiry old man sitting outside his house had half a dozen children playing at his feet. That gave us an opening.

“Are those your grandchildren, old man?” I asked.

His face softened and his eyes brightened as they wandered, first to them and then to us.

“All of them,” he said.

Theo joined in. “Children are so trusting.”

The laughter lines creased around his eyes. “They come to me with anything.”

“Did you know that’s the way we must enter the Kingdom of Heaven?”

The old man stiffened; his face suddenly hard. “Trust God like the children trust me?” He looked at the ground, frowning. “No. You see, I’ve had experience, which these children haven’t had.” His eyes misted over. “I know what it’s like to pray to God and have a silent heaven.”

It was my turn. “Will you tell us about it?”

He stood up. “Come. I’ll show you.”

He opened the gate and ushered us into his home, leading us to a room at the back. On the way, we heard cries and the pounding of heels on the floor. He opened the door a fraction and bade us look. In the middle of the room tied to a pole that was fixed to the floor was — what was it — an animal? No, although like a crazed beast, its eyes burned with fury, the head swayed back and forth and the heels drummed up and down, up and down while it wrenched at the ropes holding it to the post. It was barely recognisable as a young girl, tormented and crazed by a thousand demons.

Closing the door, the old man took us to his sitting room. “That’s Lydia. I’ve prayed to God day and night for my grandchild, but He’s not listening.” The tears glistened on his lined face. “Can you see why I cannot trust Him as a little child?”

I glanced at Theo and saw his face shine. “Sir, God has heard your prayer. His timing is perfect. He wants you to know about His Messiah. He’s come to save us from our sins and deliver us from the oppression of the Evil One.”

He told him the good news of Jesus, the Messiah. On finishing, he said, “Now, take us to Lydia.”

It was our first taste of the power Jesus gave us. With screeching and a stench that filled the house, the demons fled. Lydia’s eyes softened, her face transformed and she spoke to her grandfather in a voice as sweet and clear as a mountain stream. “Thank you, Grandpa for praying so earnestly for me.” She smiled as she held the weeping, trembling old man. That evening we preached to a packed house. Lydia, had waltzed around the village in a dance of joy, spreading the good news. The Kingdom of God permeated the whole village as we stayed at the old man’s home preaching, teaching, healing the sick and driving out demons in the Name of Jesus.

Then we moved to the next village and the scene was repeated as we used Jesus’ strategy, staying in people’s homes and ministering from there. (Luke 10:7) We’d never experienced such power.

Finally, after filling village after village with the light of God, we reported back to Jesus. “Even the demons obeyed us!” we exclaimed with excitement. The other seventy disciples had similar stories. (Luke 10:17)

But Jesus warned us, “Don’t get carried away with the power I’ve given you. Remember from whence it came and rejoice that God has chosen you to be with Him.” (Luke 10:20) It was a sober lesson. I admit, the power had gone to my head a little.

And now, my little home, it’ll be good to sleep in my own bed with familiar things around me, but then I’ll have to say goodbye to you. You see, there’s a Messiah who has no place to lay His head (Luke 9:58) and I’ll be following Him wherever He goes.

As a Little Child

By Dave Walker | October 7, 2019 | Comments 0 Comment

Seeing through the eyes of a child

Whew, what a week! We have our four year old grandson with us and it is hectic. I’d forgetten what it is like to have a little child in the house.

But it’s fun, and full of lessons about our walk with our heavenly Father.

For one thing, everything around him inspires wonder.

As adults we get so used to the miracles that surround us each day that we miss the wonder of it all. Yet the intricate way in which the weavers in our garden weave their nests, the tiny buds that form on branches, long bare and barren through the winter months, the way a little insect knows to scurry away as I put a finger near are all wonders of God’s creation.

Even though there might be scientific explanations for all these things, it in no way detracts from the marvel. The laws themselves, dreamed up by God from nothing, should inspire awe.

Then, my little grandson’s every second sentence is punctuated by “Why?”

“Why does this come apart?”

“So we can clean this bit and not the bit with the engine.”

“Why?”

“Because water will stop the engine working.”

“Why?”

And so on ad infinitum.

But without a clue about electricity, how does one explain about water shorting the works?

It makes me realise that God probably has the same problem with us. How often, with our very limited understanding of the true nature of things, do we ask the question “Why, God?”

That probably explains why He seldom answers the question, but graces us with His presence, His comfort and His love. As I say, in God in the ICU:

“There is a deep mystery in suffering. Nowhere does God say He will protect us from it. What He does promise, however is that He will walk with us through it.. Many people, having experienced great suffering through bereavement, persecution, financial hardship or illness testify that those were the times they felt closest to God.”

That’s usually how He answers our question, “Why?” and sometimes (often, actually), I just have to do the same with my grandson.

How Does God Heal?

By Dave Walker | September 18, 2019 | Comments 0 Comment

The interaction of love, medicine and miracles

I suppose it’s because we can go to a doctor without any reference to God, that some people think of healing by doctors as some sort of alternative to God’s healing. I have heard people say, “I’m not going to a doctor. I’m trusting God to heal me.”

I’ve also heard others say, “Well, the doctor hasn’t done much, I’ll just have to pray.”

It’s as though doctors and God are in some kind of opposition.

The fact is, God is responsible for all true healing. As we walk in love, acknowledging His hand in our lives, we can participate with Him in our healing. An attitude of love, medicine and miracles are all part of God’s healing process. I write more extensively on this in Prayer, Medicine and Miracles, but want to write about it now because I’ve had direct experience of God intervening in my life through medicine.

My wife and I were due to go to a picturesque town in the Cape for a four month break house-sitting for my daughter. She hadn’t asked; it was an idea that came from nowhere as I awoke one morning, when I knew she’d be away.

Shortly before we were due to leave, I experienced a slight ache in my arm and a bit of breathlessness while jogging. Had we not been going to a fairly remote village, I probably would have ignored it, but because we would not be near sophisticated medical facilities, I thought I’d better get it checked.

Within a week, I was in hospital having a stent put into a major coronary artery which was close to blocking.

I have no doubt God put the idea of house-sitting in my mind to precipitate me into seeking a medical checkup for a minor complaint which, had I ignored it, could have killed me with a heart attack.

In His love, He used hi-tech medicine to fix my problem without major surgery.

God deserves the glory for all true healing.

When we see Him as responsible for all healing, we can avail ourselves of everything at our disposal

This includes diet, exercise, alternative medicine as well, of course as prayer.

In fact, prayer can enhance any other aspect of healing. In one instance which I describe in Prayer,Medicine and Miracles, I was asked to take over a patient in ICU who was deteriorating. I did not change any treatment, but started praying with him. He immediately improved and recovered.

Of course, it doesn’t include methods that go against the Word of God (psychic healing, transcendental meditation or methods that pay homage to other religions). These might produce physical results but leave you spiritually oppressed/bankrupt, which is not true, holistic healing.

Even if a doctor is not a believer, you can trust God to use him. There are instances in the Bible where God has used unbelievers for His purposes.

It depends on where you put your focus. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and trust Him to heal you in whatever way He wishes (and He does wish it for you.)

Nothing is impossible for God.

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. (Jer.17:14)