Peace before war! ∙∙

Peace before war! ∙∙

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down, and a time to build up. A time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Deuteronomy 20:10-12

10 As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace.
11 If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor.
12 But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town.

The original Latin phrase “If you want peace, prepare for war” comes from the book Epitoma Rei Militaris by the Roman general Vegetius. This work is regarded as the foremost military treatise in Western history.

Vegetius noted that even before the Roman Empire’s decline, its army’s quality was deteriorating. The decay of the military came from within. He argued that prolonged peace led to idleness, causing soldiers to abandon their armor, making them susceptible to attacks and prone to flee from battle.

Vegetius’ quote suggests that preparing for war is crucial during peaceful times, as a strong army can deter potential invaders by signaling that an attack may not be worthwhile (N.S. Gill). As Douglas MacArthur said, “The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”

Abraham Lincoln once urged, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds . . ..” Abraham Lincoln emphasized the importance of forgiveness and kindness towards everyone, including former adversaries, while consistently striving for what is morally right. It underscores the need for unity and healing to repair the divisions caused by conflict.

Francis Bacon wisely noted, “This is certain, that a man that studies revenge keeps his wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.” In a world filled with adverse events, from serious offenses to minor slights, we have a choice: we can either respond with anger and seek revenge, or we can choose forgiveness and focus on doing good.

The Bible clearly outlines the path we should follow, urging believers to act as peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). At first glance, this directive might seem daunting, even unrealistic. When we first hear the scriptural imperative and let it soak in, our initial reaction is, quite frankly, something like, “You gotta be kidding me!” But the Father is not kidding. He is not providing advice and counsel. He is telling us how to live. We are never to return evil for evil; instead, we seek peace and conquer evil with good. The Father’s admonition applies both to warfare and everyday family disputes.

Romans 12:17-21

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.

20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Paul is both idealistic and realistic. He recognizes that despite the best efforts of the Father’s children to live in peace with others, others will frequently make it impossible. They simply want what they want when they want it on their own terms. They prefer aggression (passive or active) and hostility.

In fact, throughout history, taking an absolute stand for the Lord Jesus Christ as the only way to come into a right relationship with the Father often arouses enmity, open opposition, and hatred. Why? Because the Lord Jesus Christ is hated!

John 15:18 If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.

REFLECT & PRAY

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18

Father, I would much rather be a peacemaker than a warmonger. Yet revenge lurks within my heart. Encourage me to do what is right.

INSIGHT

The Father commissioned ancient Israel to conquer and take over the promised land. But they were supposed to do so in a specific and distinct fashion that we may consider very strange, almost bizarre. Two strategies were involved; for cities outside of Canaan, a diplomatic offer of peace was proposed. The enemy city was given a chance to surrender and commit to personal service to the Israelis. The alternative was certain death. If the people accepted the terms, the city and its inhabitants would be spared.

Whoever heard of making war by first offering peace? The answer is, of course, the Father.

Deuteronomy 20:10-12

10 As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace.
11 If they accept your terms and open the gates to you, then all the people inside will serve you in forced labor.
12 But if they refuse to make peace and prepare to fight, you must attack the town.

The Old Testament serves as a window into the cultural practices of its time, particularly through the lens of Suzerain Treaties during the conquest of Canaan. These treaties were designed not to view neighboring peoples as foes but to embrace them as friends and allies. Rather than pursuing a path of destructive conquest, this approach emphasized peaceful integration. This technique showcased the Father’s merciful and redemptive heart and nature.

These treaties or contracts were established between two parties: one more powerful, known as the Suzerain, and the other less powerful, referred to as the vassal. This dynamic is reflected in the Mosaic Covenant. God the Father acts as the Suzerain and guarantees the welfare and safety of His people. They, in turn, commit to recognizing Him as their sovereign Lord, pledging their loyalty and submission. This arrangement bears a resemblance to the feudal systems of medieval Europe, where vassals pledged allegiance to their lords in return for security and support.

The Father’s dealings with ancient Israel provide a blueprint for the children of the King to emulate in their relationships with others. Instead of seeing adversaries as foes, we are encouraged to view them as potential friends and allies. Our initial response should be diplomacy, reflecting God’s approach of mercy and reconciliation. Actively pursuing peace and harmony is essential. Forgiveness and kindness should take precedence over antipathy and contentiousness.

As Romans 15:4 reminds us, the Scriptures were written to instruct us, offering hope and encouragement as we patiently await the fulfillment of God’s promises. When we experience God’s forgiveness and mercy, He equips us with abundant grace to extend to those needing it.

Ephesians 4:32 directs us to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving to one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us. As peacemakers, we embody our identity as children of God, fulfilling the call outlined in Matthew 5:9.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

¯_(ツ)_/¯12-20-2

© Dr. H 2024