Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 9/16/2007

Question
Hello Rev. Abrams III,

I am just wondering if the United States should become militarily involved in other countrie's affairs and for what reasons. It would seem so if as in WWI and WWII, the non-intervention of the U.S. and it's allies might have resulted in a world domination of evil and communism. We won those wars I believe because God was on our side.
Now, looking at Vietnam and Iraq, was and is the situation different and could it be that we had and are having such a tough time in Vietnam and Iraq because God may not be with us and we might have been or be there for the wrong reasons, thus losing God's grace and support?

Did Jesus also want us to be liberators as well as spread the message of love and Christianity if a country we are trying to support is corrupt in it's own government and divided amongst themselves as I know Iraq and I'm sure some elements of the South Vietnamese government were? I am thinking that in that event then Christ might have warranted leaving these people to their own fate or chastisement.

I would be thankful for any of your ideas on the above issues.

Sincerely,

Mike E.  

Answer
Hi Mike,
   Yours is a difficult question for me to answer.  I think that we as individuals are responsible to protect our loved ones and others from harm and the principle also would apply to our government.   God has ordained civil government and requires that men obey those that are over them (Rom. 13:1-2,5-7). When there is no government, there is anarchy because of the sin and selfishness of fallen man.  The role of government is to maintain peace, protect its citizens, and to keep order in this wicked world, to punish evil and to reward righteousness (Rom. 13:3-4; 1 Peter 2:14; Job 29:17).  This would mean that government is to protect us from foreign and domestic enemies.
   I am a Vietnam Vet (1966-67) and in that war our government failed us.  Many brave young men died for what turned out to be nothing in the end.  
    The government is made up of men who are mostly unsaved and are not serving the Lord.  They do not even consider what God would want or the ramifications for their actions.   They certainly do not fear God.  Their actions show that most of them hold their position for personal gain.   Further the American people let us down during the Vietnam war by opposing victory and hindering our progress.   Was it a just war?   I do not know.  I do know that a lot (thousands) of good freedom loving Vietnamese died when we abounded them and the lives for thousands of America’s young men and women died too.
    I have mixed feeling about Iraq.   I am not sure we should have ever attacked them.   Saddam turned out to be a pity little dictator and not the threat he was made out to be.   I have a hard time believing that our President and government officials did not know this.    
    As far as fighting terrorism.   The Muslims in the Middle East are bent on bring America and all free nations down.  They as their history shows have one mandate and that is to impose Islam on the world.    History records that they cannot be reasoned with and are only deterred by brute force.   I am not really sure what the outcome will be.   I do believe the world is fast moving towards the Tribulation period when God will pour out His wrath on earth.   Current events seem to be aligning towards the coming of the Antichrist and the one world government.   The eastern nation will play an important part in the end time in attacking Israel and a world war coming to the Middle East.   I do not know what America’s part will be in all this and cannot find this nation’s place or mention in the end times.

   Jesus did not tell believers to force the Gospel on anyone, but in love present the world Jesus Christ our Savior.   The truth is that our government is not a Christian one and does what it does totally without seeking God.   It is God who lifts up and takes down nations.  

   Note this Psalm:   "Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.   Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call." (Psalms 20:6-9)

  If a nation will turn to God He will defend them against their enemies, but sadly He will not help the ungodly.

         God told Israel "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  (2 Chronicles 7:14)   The principle applies also to all nations who will seek the Lord and turn to Him.

   David in Psalm 59 poured out his heart to the Lord and sought the Lord's help for defense against his enemies.   It would be a wonderful thing if this nation would do the same, but I am pessimistic and cannot see how that is possible in today’s climate.   We have branded God from our society, murdered millions of innocent babies, promoted sodomy and become a nation of the most worldly people.   God cannot help a nation that opposes and has no fear of Him.

   I agree with you about WWI and WWII.  Our nation was in danger and I personally believe because people prayed and sought the Lord God saved us,  although many Americans were involved in great sins.   I believe there were more faithful Christians then that there are now.   The different was that Christians turned to the Lord and He answered their prayers.  Today, there are few Christians who pray, or live godly lives.   America has not been a Christian nation for many decades dating back to the 60's when the ACLU and liberals who hate God, began their campaign to remove Him from our society.   Worst that this has been that many Christians have refused to fight and let these evil people take over our nation.

    I am not sure that this answers your question, but it is my thoughts on the matter, based on what I know of God's word and His workings.    I wish with all my heart I could be more optimistic, but the reality I see in our society keeps me from that.

    Thank you for your question.  
Cooper Abrams