Middle East Conflict, part....

Just when we think all is calm in the world (ignoring Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq) we are faced with a crises that could escalate to unfathomable heights. Is the fight between Israel and Hezbollah simply a short-term "correction", analogous to a over-heated stock market? Or, could these events become a long-term regional, or potentially world conflict, more analogous to the depression that was felt the world over in the 1930s? I watch the conflict in Lebanon closely, praying that calm minds and big hearts prevail, and events of today begin to calm.

Right now, that seems to be such a naive hope. From the beginning of time, we've had conflict, often resulting in death (Genesis 4:8). Fueled by jealousy, lust, ego, hate, and covetous desires, men and women display their worst behavior, reflecting man's depravity...and people die. The conflict between Israel and it's neighbors includes many of the behavioral traits I highlight above. Certainly, the actions of Iranian President Ahmadinejad, and his irrational, hateful comments, are representative of more than one of these traits. But, the world is littered with people that are broken and sinful, and our actions are often beyond words. (Heck, if you don't believe me, click this link: http://www.startribune.com/462/story/557309.html)

So, what can we do about all this? Pray. At all times. To God, the Father of our savior, Jesus Christ. Only He can intervene. Only he can place his hands on these many tragedies and conflicts and say enough. Keep in mind, he may choose not to - that's His call, based on His plans. Looking at our behavior, it wouldn't surprise me to see him turn away for a while, let men kill men, destroy homes and buildings, and in general wreak havoc throughout His creation.

Who knows? We may begin to realize how much we need him at that point. And maybe we'll take to heart Jesus' words in John 5:14 - "Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you."