An open letter...to people of faith
From, The Kentucky Citizen Digest, Novemer/December, 2001.

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 have caused a second wave of intense prayer from the people of faith in this country.  (The first wave, of course, was the protracted Presidential election decision that was finally resolved in December of last year.)  With this rising tide of prayer, questions are being raised about how we should pray and how we should act. 
   
God in his wisdom has given each of us a unique perspective and a unique position in each of the large and small events that surround our lives.  Clearly, we must pray our consciences in each and every circumstance that God brings to our door.  At the same time there are some things that would be wise for us as a Body to be in agreement at the heart level.  I therefore submit the following:
   
President Bush has declared a war on terrorism and it’s perpetrators.  Some are concerned about violent acts being unleashed by our military. We must recognize that President Bush is the Commander in Chief of the civil government of the United State of America.  One of the roles of civil government, as outlined by apostle Paul in Romans 13:4, is to punish evildoers.  As a citizen of the United States of America I believe we should pray for the wisdom of President Bush and for the protection of America’s military forces as they act to punish evildoers – in the president’s words, “to bring justice to the terrorists, or bring the terrorists to justice.”  And let us not forget that justice is very important to God (Micah 6:8).
   
At the same time that we are citizens of the United States of America, we are also citizens of God’s nation, the Kingdom of God.  Biblically, the Lord has often allowed Israel’s enemies to claim an upper hand in order to get the attention of His people.  The Lord now has our attention!  With Israel the Lord’s deliverance, as stated in II Chronicles 7:14, focused upon God’s people—for them to humble themselves, to pray and seek his face, and to turn from their wicked ways.  Now it’s our turn.
   
God’s eyes are upon His own.  He is not focused upon the abortionists, the pornographers, and the homosexuals. . .  but upon His people and II Chronicles 7:14 indicates that we are in the driver’s seat!  We are not relegated to the back seat.  Therefore, according to this prescription, let us humble ourselves (rather than act arrogantly in pseudo-national pride), let us pray (rather than simply flay angry sentiments and words) and let us turn from our wicked ways (the wicked ways bred by affluence — ignorance and apathy).  Then let us watch what He will do!
   
Am I saying that the church is responsible for the outrage in New York and Washington?  No, but I am saying that God loves a broken and contrite heart, and that He blesses and protects the broken reed.  In that same II Chronicles 7:14 passage, he pledges to hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land.  Can anyone disagree that our land needs God’s healing touch?
   
Therefore, as citizens of God’s kingdom, let us examine ourselves and turn now, while He has our attention.  It may be that our turning will be the greatest protection for those in the military who must deliver the justice demanded by God through our civil government.



 

Key Family Foundation Contacts: Kent Ostrander , Executive Director Martin Cothran , Senior Associate Policy Analyst