Turn with me in your Bibles today to the book of Joshua, chapter 10. We have been going through the OT, looking at God bringing the Jews out of slavery in Egypt, through 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, and finally into the land he had promised to their forefathers to give them. As we read through the book of Joshua, we see a key lesson taught, the law of the first step, that we looked at las week: Sometimes God waits to act until you begin to move in faith. But as we read through Joshua, there is also a disturbing image that we see over and over again. In Joshua 10, we see it displayed very vividly. Look with me in verse 28: That day Joshua took Makkedah. He put the city and its king to the sword and totally destroyed everyone in it. He left no survivors. And he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho. Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and attacked it. The LORD also gave that city and its king into Israel’s hand. The city and everyone in it Joshua put to the sword. He left no survivors there. And he did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho. Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Libnah to Lachish; he took up positions against it and attacked it. The LORD handed Lachish over to Israel, and Joshua took it on the second day. The city and everyone in it he put to the sword, just as he had done to Libnah. Then look with me down in verse 40 - So Joshua subdued the whole region, including the hill country, the Negev, the western foothills and the mountain slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded. Joshua subdued them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from the whole region of Goshen to Gibeon. All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.
The concepts we see in Joshua, of a God of war who completely obliterates these whole people groups seems so foreign to the God of love and mercy we are so often taught. What’s going on here? This morning, we want to talk about war, and how to have a Biblical viewpoint on war. We are going to look in the OT at what war meant before the cross, then look to see what the NT teaches us, and then we will end up going back to the OT again to learn some life lessons for us today.
Starting out in Joshua, we see the Jews entering the promised land and fighting these battles, and God fighting for them. God tells the people through Joshua over and over again that the Jews are to totally and completely destroy every man, woman, and child. Why? Why would a good God tell them this. Is it just that God wants to give a better piece of land to his people? Look with me in Deut. 7:1-4 - When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations--the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you-- and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy. Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your sons away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.
**God uses war to completely destroy nations because of their sinfulness. God knew that if they were allowed to continue, their sinfulness would affect the Jews. He says, in
Deut. 9:1-4 You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities that have walls up to the sky. The people are strong and tall . . . Be assured today that the LORD your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the LORD has promised you. After the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, “The LORD has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.” No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is going to drive them out before you.
In the OT, we see that God uses war, and engages in war himself, as a way of bringing judgment for evil. Any society that turns to evil will eventually fall under the judgment of God. In Deut. 28 the Jews were told, If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands that I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. . . The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. . . However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, . . . The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will come at them from one direction but flee from them in seven, and you will become a thing of horror to all the kingdoms on earth. Your carcasses will be food for all the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no-one to frighten them away.
And God kept His word. In Jeremiah 25:8 we find recorded - Therefore the LORD Almighty says this: “Because you have not listened to my words, I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,” declares the LORD, “and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin.
Jeremiah 1:14 - The LORD said to me, “From the north disaster will be poured out on all who live in the land. I am about to summon all the peoples of the northern kingdoms,” declares the LORD. “Their kings will come and set up their thrones in the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem; they will come against all her surrounding walls and against all the towns of Judah. I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshipping what their hands have made.
Why does God allow this complete decimation of societies we see in Joshua - it is his way of bringing judgment for sin! Joshua and all the people fight joyfully, for they are following the word of the Lord.
But what does all this mean for us today? In the NT, we see a very different approach to war. We are taught the greatest law is love. We are taught to turn the other cheek. We are given the example of Jesus, who prayed “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” So, in the context of our society today, is war sinful? Is it right? Is it murder?
Some people would claim that we have two different Gods - the fierce, mean God of the OT, and the loving, merciful God of the NT. Or, they claim God has changed. But Hebrews 13:8 reminds us Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. So, if that is true, and God does not change, what do we do with war? The God of the OT is the same God of love of the NT.
***We need to understand the nature of NT commands. When we come to verses like the Sermon on the Mount, we need to understand the difference of commands given to individuals and commands given to societies. In the OT, the whole nation was under the leadership of God - something we call a “theocracy” - God was in charge of everyone. But in the NT, we see the nation of Rome rules on earth, and while ultimate power and authority is God’s, yet God allows the national government to function. But he calls individuals within the nation to a godly lifestyle, even when the nation is other than godly.
Having said that, let’s look at Matthew 5:39 - But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Here we find a verse that gives instruction to each of us as individuals. We are not called to personal retaliation, but to suffer for the sake of Christ. However, in this same passage, look in verse 25 - “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Notice here, there is a corporate entity of justice, a judge. Justice comes from the governmental official.
God sets us governments to execute justice. And while we as individuals are not called to vengeance and attacks, God uses our governments to see that justice is done. Look with me in Romans 13:1-6 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
What do we see here? First, that to be a good Christian, we need to be good citizens. We submit to the authority of government, pay our taxes, obey the speed limit, follow the laws, as an act of obedience to Christ. There are times when we disobey the government - when it tells us to do that which is contrary to the laws of Christ - but it is NOT identified with war. In fact, when soldiers come to John the Baptist, Luke 3:14 records this: Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely--be content with your pay.” John never says anything against being a soldier. Instead he encourages them to be the best soldier they can. In fact, what we DO find, is that there is a call for violence. Back in Romans 13:4 - But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. What is the sword - not just a means of keeping order, but an instrument of death. Princes would wear swords to behead those worthy of death. Romans tells us the government is God’s minister to execute justice.
Freedom isn’t free. And while God is against personal vengeance and retaliation, He does allow a nation to defend itself and protect the freedom of its people. God is all for war, if it is for a righteous cause. War is a regrettable thing. No one in their right mind likes war, and nobody wants to go to war. War is not glamorous or romantic, though Hollywood often tries to portray it as such. War is terrible, a regrettable thing, but there are some things in life that are worse than war. There are times that we go to war, because the alternative is not acceptable as a Christian. Edmund Burke wrote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” And when we engage in that which is right, we should feel no shame or remorse about it. C. S. Lewis writes in his book Mere Christianity - “War is a dreadful thing. I can respect an honest pacifist, though I think he is entirely mistaken. What I cannot understand is this sort of semi-pacifism you get nowadays, which gives people the idea that though you have to fight, you ought to do it with a long face and as if you were ashamed of it.” War is not merely a “necessary evil” but rather sometimes it is the right thing for a Christian to do. One author, Darrel Cole, writes, “The Christian who fails to use force to aid his neighbor when prudence dictates that force is the best way to render that aid is an uncharitable Christian. Hence, Christians who willingly and knowingly refuse to engage in a “just war” ... fail to show love towards their neighbor as well as towards God.”
In the early Church, there were not many Christians who were soldiers, but that is not because they were pacifists. Instead, it was because soldiers were required to participate in worship of Caesar and other pagan rites. But during the years following the fall of the Roman empire, we see many Christians rising the lead armies in battle.
So, Why do we go to war? Today, I would offer three reasons.
1. To defend freedom - In the book of Judges, we see enemy nations attack the Jews, and God allows the Jews to be oppressed because of their sins. But God also raises up leaders to defend the freedom of the nation. God uses Gideon, Samson, Ehud, and others to defend the freedom of the Jews.
When Jesus sends out his disciples in Luke 22:35-36 he says, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. Jesus tells his disciples, it is more important to buy a sword to defend yourself than it is to have a cloak.
2. To defend innocent people-
Psalm 82:3-4 - Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Lest we focus only on ourselves, God calls us to think of justice for others. We go to war not only when the USA is threatened, but to defend innocent people of whatever nationality or skin color they might be.
3. To stop the spread of evil - In Matt 16:18 - And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. We see here a reference to the gates of hell not standing. The gates are a defensive protection. The picture that Jesus gives is that the church is to be storming the gates of hell, battling against all evil. One of the reasons we go to war is to stop the spread of evil wherever we find it in the world.
Ecclesiastes 3:8 tells us There is a time for everything ... a time for war and a time for peace. Prov. 20:18 - Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.
There is a time for war - and to find it one must seek guidance from the Lord. And I believe we have a president who does just that. I trust President Bush, and I try to pray for him daily. I hope you will too. He faces a lot of criticism, but we need to support our president and our troops. We are engaged in war right now, and our troops are in Iraq. Why?
When Saddam Hussein appointed himself president of Iraq in 1979, he publicly executed 60 potential rivals. In the 70s and 80s, he destroyed 3000 Kurd villages, killing mostly innocent civilians. He used chemical weapons on his own people. In March 1988 he killed 5000 Iraqi civilians with mustard gas and nerve toxins. Even though the weapons of mass destruction were never found, the threat that they existed is very real. The war on terror is a war of defending the poor, defenseless, innocent civilians oppressed by the regime of Saddam Hussein. War is terrible, a regrettable thing, but there are some things in life that are worse than war.
We are engaged in a war right now. And while most of us will not be called to the battle lines, there is much that we CAN do. First,
*Pray for peace - 1 Tim. 2:1-2 - I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. We need to pray for President Bush, the troops in the field, the quick end of the war, the conversion of the Islamic leaders. God hears and answers prayer.
*Get involved in government - Eph. 5:15-16 reminds us Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. We have a tremendous opportunity here in America to be involved in leading our country. And if we want to see godly leaders in our nation, we need some godly men and women who will be willing to get involved. Maybe someone here is being called by God to run for office, just like Jerry Walden did. If not on a city or county level, maybe even the school board. Show up to city council meetings. Let your voice be heard. Write letters to the editor. And by all means, register to vote in our elections if you are registered. And if you are registered, make sure you get out to vote on election day.
*Resolve not to live in fear - Psalm 27:1-3 - The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
Proverbs 29:25 - Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
God does not want us to live in fear over war or terrorists or the end of the world. Rather fear is a tool of the devil to snare us and cause us to be defeated and despair. 1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. God wants us to rest in Him. Our security is not in strength of arms or sheer military might, but in knowing that God is our strength.
Review: So, quickly recapping, in the OT, we see God using war as a judgment on sin. In the NT we see God still uses war as his tool, but he institutes it through governments, not through individuals. And when our government goes to war, as good citizens, we show obedience to God by serving to the governmental authorities he has placed over us. But looking back to Joshua and the OT. There are a few lessons we want to end with today from our reading in the OT.
Closing lessons:
1. Whose side are we on? Look with me in Joshua 5:13-14. Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence.
Joshua was asking the Lord “whose side He was on.” But the answer given was that Joshua needed to get on God’s side. Far too often we want to know if God is on OUR side. Instead, we need to diligently ask if we are on HIS side. And this is a lesson not just about war, but about every aspect of our daily life. If you would take inventory of your life right now, are you on God’s side? Are you doing the things he wants you to do? It’s not a question of whether he is blessing you or helping you, but are you aligning your life with God?
2. Sin will be judged- As we see God bringing the Jews in to possess the land of the Canaanites, God says to destroy them totally because of their sinfulness. Over 450 years earlier, God spoke to Abraham about them in Genesis 15:16 - In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” God gave the Amorites and all the Canaanite peoples a chance to repent and turn from their sinfulness, but they didn’t. And as a result, the whole nations were wiped out, destroyed completely. Sin is not optional. It is not insignificant. It is deadly. It is devastating. It will destroy you! If you are holding on to sin today, even though you might think it just a little sin, God will bring judgment on you if you fail to repent. In Luke 13 Jesus reminds the people of the consequences of sin - Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Turn from your sin before it is too late!
3. Our hope for true peace is yet to come. In Revelations 19:11 we see Jesus coming back to earth in his second coming. 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 makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are 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. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron sceptre.” Jesus will one day return, with a sword, and bring war, so that all wars will cease. Isaiah 2:4 tells us that when Jesus sets up his kingdom on the earth He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war any more. Our only hope of true peace lies in the prince of peace.
Today, the call for you is to respond to what God is saying to you.
•If you has spoken to you about a certain sin, confess it and turn from it and tell someone else who can hold you accountable for change.
•Maybe someone here needs to be more involved in government - in praying for our nation and our leaders and our troops, or getting involved in holding office, or in speaking out and letting your voice be heard.
•Maybe you struggle with fear, and for you the reminder is to trust in the Lord, and not to fear
•Maybe the call you have heard is to study the scriptures deeper to see for yourself what the Bible really says about war and government and all kinds of other subjects.
Whatever God is calling you to do, answer his call today. Let’s pray.
