Remember those who made sacrifice
Scripture reading: Joshua 4:1-7. Text: “So Joshua called together the 12 men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, ‘Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.'” Joshua 4:4-7.
Even our heavenly Father wanted great deeds to be remembered. On Memorial Day we remember the heroes who have made the greatest sacrifice. This year, we must add new names to the long list of brave men, those who died in the “Operation Iraqi Freedom” while liberating the people in that country suffering under dictatorship.
Just erecting a monument for those killed in action is insufficient, we should be mindful of and never forget the highest price paid by those who served faithfully in our armed forces.
Is it too soon to mention the war in Iraq? To talk intelligently about a topic at least three things are required: adequate knowledge about the subject matter, the right perspective and, finally, sufficient information about the details. Which one of us can claim that he/she satisfies all the three expectations?
This time, please, do not wait for “instant” and/or “ready-made” answers but rather strive for ones with which you have wrestled seriously so you could have a clear picture. Often the Bible will not offer a “user-friendly” solution but rather God’s words compel us to search for the real reason and come to the correct conclusion.
Questions that captivate our minds and challenge us to find explanations.
Can a war be justified or not? How long must oppressed people suffer before a neighbor country should start a liberating war? Only weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will justify a war and mass graves will not? Can an offensive war be classified as defensive when it is waged in behalf of exploited and suffering millions? Who should be the champion of human rights? Can diplomacy be effective against ruthless dictators? Is it all right for us to enjoy peace and comfort and only offer encouragement for those who cry for help because they live in misery and fear? What has the right answer?
Do we understand the complexity of war? How do people view and think of war? The politicians? The industrialists? The generals? The soldiers in combat? The orphans? The relatives of the young people in uniform? The taxpayers? How are the attacking and defending forces informed and instructed? Will the destruction be bigger than the benefit of the victory? Who has the explanation?
Will freedom and democracy be introduced after the war? In a war, not only buildings are destroyed but also a system, an administration, a social and political structure and sometimes even heritage and tradition. It is not easy among ruins and lack of law enforcement to start a new life. The old feuding forces emerge, the fights for power begin, the strong and unscrupulous people start unethical business and get rich fast.
The poor, innocent and helpless citizens may feel they are betrayed again. It takes not only time but also lots of pain, suffering and injustice to introduce and build up slowly freedom and democracy. Who shall do it, the liberators or the people returning from exile?
Is it possible to enjoy freedom and democracy while people live in poverty? What should come first food or freedom? Who knows the solution?
Is war preventable and what can religion do? If the United Nation (UN) would be strong and the diplomats capable enough to prevent war, that would be great! Under which political system and whose leadership are the people better off? Population explosion, territorial and economic gains, correcting old injustices, oppressed minorities and leaders’ egoistic purposes all may trigger a vicious war.
A great and powerful international denomination or many small local churches can do more to avoid military conflicts? Do the churches have the respect and clout today to influence politics? Should the church be concerned at all that there is peace or war? Is the church responsible only for spiritual matters? What do you recommend in this respect?
We are sure as Christ had not died on the cross in vain neither did the heroes on the battlefield. We not only honor them but also will remember their heroic deeds.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.