"Steps To Take Before You Go To War"

Second, for every anti-war organization there is another organization that supports our government’s action upon Saddam Hussein. For every International Answer there is an organization like Moveout.

Third, the President’s administration possesses information that we, as civilians, do not possess. How can we know all of the details of what is going on behind the scenes when our daily routine is revolved around showing up at the plant, shopping for groceries, and watching the evening news?

Last of all, history tells stories that are worth heeding. Let me give you an example. Martin Niemoeller was one of the most respected Protestant leaders in Germany in the early 1930’s. Niemoeller was a decorated U-Boat captain in the First World War and later became a Christian. In 1933, when he became the most high profile of Hitler’s Christian opponents, he was in charge of a prestigious suburban church in Berlin-Dahlem.

Niemoeller was a leader in the mobilization of the Pastors’ Emergency League, in the Synod that denounced the abuses of Adolf Hitler in the famous "Barmen Declaration," and in other visible actions and sermons that finally led to his arrest on July 1, 1937. There were still a few honest judges functioning in Germany, and when the court let him go with a slap on the wrist Hitler personally ordered his incarceration. Niemoeller was in concentration camps, including long periods of solitary confinement, until the end of the war. (Frank H. Littell, First They Came for the Jews)

Martin Niemoeller, reflecting on the atrocities of Adolf Hitler, wrote the following words.

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out--

because I was not a communist;

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out--

because I was not a socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out--

because I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--

because I was not a Jew;

Then they came for me--

and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Is it none of our business when Saddam Hussein “comes” for the weak in his own society? When he threatens and attacks surrounding nations? Is it none of our business that Saddam Hussein is underwriting terrorism’s attacks around the globe? The proponents of President Bush’s efforts say that inaction will reap consequences for America and others far worse than an all out effort.

Which side do you believe? Who do you trust? What do we do? I would encourage you this morning to refuse to be swayed by either side. I would encourage you to stop listening to the voices on the street calling, chiding, criticizing, and cajoling. I would encourage you to cry out to the Lord of history, the Sovereign King of all creation. The One whom the Bible says, 1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. (Proverbs 21:1 NIV) Again, in Proverbs 16:9, we read these words, 9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NIV) I came to announce to you this morning that God is in charge! He knows the plans that are being made, not just by President Bush and Saddam Hussein, but by every leader of every nation on the face of the earth. God is in control.