I obviously have no expertise to add to the question of our military strategy in Iraq; even if I had an opinion worth discussing, this would not be the forum to do so. Rather, I am interested this morning in the study group's recommendations for more theological reasons. I understand the logic of working with our adversaries to promote a greater good, and the ultimate goal of withdrawing our troops out of harm's way.
As you know, the Iraq Study Group presented its findings and recommendations yesterday in a press conference on Capitol Hill. The bipartisan commission, led by James A. Baker III and Lee H. Hamilton, issued a number of sweeping recommendations which would change significantly the way we are conducting the war in Iraq.
Today's New York Times reports on the essence of the document. The most controversial proposal calls for direct engagement with Syria and Iran. Even though many believe that Iran will not respond, Mr. Baker says that the world would then see their "rejectionist attitude." The most strategic recommendation calls for a significant reduction in support for Iraq unless Baghdad makes "substantial progress" on reconciliation and security. The group claims that it is time for the United States to "begin to move its combat forces out of Iraq responsibly." Now, according to one commission member, the former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, "it really is out of our hands."
I obviously have no expertise to add to the question of our military strategy in Iraq; even if I had an opinion worth discussing, this would not be the forum to do so. Rather, I am interested this morning in the study group's recommendations for more theological reasons. I understand the logic of working with our adversaries to promote a greater good, and the ultimate goal of withdrawing our troops out of harm's way. Most people would agree that a comprehensive regional strategy and significant reduction of American military presence in Iraq would be worthy goals. But what may work on military terms will never work in spiritual conflict.
You and I are soldiers engaged in the cosmic battle between God and Satan, good and evil. We are the Iraqi soil upon which the war is being fought. We are either on the side of our Heavenly Father or our adversary. Making treaties with our spiritual enemy or retreating from the conflict are not options. Edmund Burke was right: "all that necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." If we compromise with temptation, sin wins. If we retreat from God's call to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), the nations perish. We are called to attack the gates of hell (Matt. 16:18), mounting a spiritual offensive which takes Christ to our community and world.
Such a strategy initiated Christmas. We could not climb up to God, so he climbed down to us. He became one of us so we could be one with him. Now he has come to us this morning in his word and Spirit. He is waiting to empower us to defeat the enemy and take his love to those we meet today. Can he count on you?
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