by David Wildman

Image by: GBGM Mission News

Devotional material for this week are offered below

Never before have so many people in so many different places around the world united to say no to war. On February 15th millions marched in 350 cities. Over 100 city councils in the United States have now adopted resolutions against war with Iraq (see: http://www.unitedforpeace.org for latest list). Many churches, trade unions, and other organizations have issued statements, held vigils, and spoken out opposing military force against Iraq. Instead people are calling for more time for UN weapons inspections, and for lifting of economic sanctions which have already devastated the lives of millions of Iraqi civilians.

Now, it is more important than ever to raise our voices to government leaders to stop the rush to war. The US and Britain have introduced a new resolution at the Security Council and have declared their intent to launch war within weeks! Yet most Security Council members do not support such moves. President Bush has repeatedly announced his intent to wage pre-emptive war against Iraq with or without UN approval.

In such a time as this, the prophet Jeremiah urges us to speak out:
“I cannot keep silent, for I hear the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Disaster overtakes disaster, the whole land is laid waste”
(Jeremiah 4:19-20)

In the coming days leading up to Ash Wednesday (March 5th) and the beginning of Lent, let us all dedicate ourselves to speaking out to government leaders, to our neighbors, to the media, and to those we disagree with about the things that make for peace.

Take 15 minutes each day with family, friends, and colleagues, even strangers to reflect on the following daily devotions and to offer prayers that world leaders may turn from the paths of war. Lift up especially all those in Iraq, in Congo, in the Philippines, in Afghanistan, in Palestine/Israel whose lives are at risk from the disasters of war and violence. You might also read some of the other statements posted in the ‘World Says No to War’ section here on the GBGM web site.

Devotions for the coming Week

February 25:

Doing A New Thing for Peace.
“Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick; Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing” (
Isaiah 43:16-19).

For centuries, people have resorted to war to solve problems. War often serves the interests of the powerful and the greedy. Isaiah urges us to heed God’s new way of doing things that puts war to rest! In what ways does our society still follow the old ways of war making? What steps can our congregation take to embrace God’s call to ‘do a new thing’?

February 26:

Virtual March on the Halls of Power. Peace groups have called for today as a national day of telephoning, faxing, emailing leaders in Washington, DC to say no to war. Jeremiah also held a national advocacy day of going to the seat of power. Reflect on his message for our day and then contact your government leaders.

“Thus says the Lord: Go down to the house of the king and speak there this word...Act with justice and righteousness...And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place. But your eyes and heart are only on your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence”
(Jeremiah 22:1, 3, 17)

Many nations have greatly restricted the rights of immigrants (aliens) in the past 18 months. What would Jeremiah say to us about such developments and about possible motivations for war against Iraq?

February 27:

Fear not! “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear...God makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God!’”
(Psalm 46:1-2, 9-10).

In the media-driven rush for the latest news on possible war, how many of us keep tuning in for what will happen next? How many of us find our lives filled with fears of further violence? Take time today to reflect on what it means to "be still, and know that I am God” – a God who makes wars cease. If we take time to be still and to fear not, how will we live our lives differently in the coming days and weeks? What can we learn from Iraqi civilians who have lived in fear of war and violence for years?

February 28:

"The envoys of peace weep bitterly....The treaty is broken, its oaths are despised, its obligation is disregarded."
Isaiah 33:7-8

"they rush to shed innocent blood...desolation and destruction are in their highways. The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths."
Isaiah 59: 7-8

"You have ploughed wickedness, you have reaped injustice...Because you have trusted in your power and in the multitude of your warriors."
Hosea 10:13

"for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing."
Jonah 4:2

"But you rise up against my people as an enemy; you strip the robe from the peaceful, from those who pass by trustingly with no thought of war."
Micah 2:8

"That fierce and impetuous nation...their justice and dignity proceed from themselves.... their own might is their god!"
Habakkuk 1:6-11 selected

David Wildman is Executive Secretary for Human Rights & Racial Justice, in the Mission Contexts and Relationships Program Area

	See Also... Topic: Education |  Human rights |  International affairs |  Peace |  Prayers |  Violence |  War |  Geographic Region: Iraq |  United States |  World |  Source: Mission Contexts and Relationships
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Date posted: Feb 25, 2003