Published on 03/26/2003

Commentary

This morning's Wall Street Journal tells the amazing story of a church in Detroit, built in part with donations from Saddam Hussein, now praying for his overthrow. Rev. Jacob Yasso of Sacred Heart Church on Seven Mile Road traveled to Baghdad in 1980 to meet with Mr. Hussein, who said he wanted to help Iraqi Christians who had come to America. That year, Mr. Hussein sent $1.5 million to cover the church's debt and build a social hall and day-care center.

Rev. Yasso says, "I shook his hand in 1980. Now, he is the devil." After hearing stories about the regime from newcomers to his church over the years, he determined that Mr. Hussein was "evil." Now more than half of the parish's 1,200 families have missing loved ones in Iraq. Last Friday night, 450 church members gathered for a service. They prayed for Mr. Hussein's overthrow, and that loved ones who disappeared in Iraq during his reign would be found alive after the war.

It is so easy to be deceived. Scripture warns: "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). For twelve years Saddam Hussein has lied to the world, refusing to obey the dictates of his earlier surrender, systematically terrorizing his neighbors and his own people. Now as we watch the news coverage of the war in Iraq, it is difficult to know what to believe. Will our troops face chemical weapons in Baghdad? Are our POWs still alive? Is Mr. Hussein still in control of his regime? We cannot believe what he says. We don't know the future, and cannot discern fully the present.

So we must go to the only One who can. In Acts 12 we find the apostle Peter in Herod's prison, awaiting execution the following morning. But "the church was earnestly praying to God for him" (v. 5). "The church"-all believers, together in the throne room of God. "Earnestly"-fervently, constantly. "For him"-specifically, directly, boldly. And the Father sent his angel to release Peter from Herod's jail and continue his ministry. These early believers did not know the future, but they trusted their friend to the One who does.

As you watch the news today and in these days, would you join them? When our soldiers are pictured, pray for God to protect them. When the POWs are discussed, pray for their release and their families' comfort. When our president and other leaders speak, ask God to give them his wisdom and courage. Walk through this day on your knees.

Our enemy is a deceiver, and news reports are confusing. So watch the war reports in intercession. Join the church that prayer built. It's the only safe place to be.