Duke on Why are they in Iraq:
It seems like the almost constant discussion in the news as well as over here is: why are we here? Have we won anything for the Iraqi people or are we just causing more blood shed by being here?
I found a passage in scripture that I think speaks to our exact situation. It comes from the book of Nehemiah. The majority of the book of Nehemiah is discussing the rebuilding of the walls and the city of Jerusalem. The enemies of Israel did not want the city rebuilt and they were at first ridiculing Israel for what they were trying and then they started to attack Israel while they were rebuilding. So this is where we pick up the story.
“From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all of the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpets stayed with me.” Nehemiah 4:16-18
“So we continued the work with half of the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. At that time I also said to the people, ‘Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and workmen by day.’ Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water. Nehemiah 4: 21-23
I believe just like the time of Nehemiah we are here to stand guard while the Iraqis rebuild their country. Just as in Nehemiah’s time there are many enemies here who do not want Iraq to be rebuilt and do not want it to taste freedom.
So what do I think that God thinks about us being here? I would not venture to speculate on God’s sovereign will; however, I am confident that our motivations are honorable and that all that is occurring will fit perfectly into His plan for the Iraqi people. It is very clear in the Old Testament that God directs both righteous and unrighteous leaders to follow His will, so regardless how one feels about the current leaders, I am absolutely confident that God is still on the throne.
Lastly, I believe that for the soldier on the ground, what God requires of us is to do our duty in a way that brings honor to him.
Soli Deo Gloria
More thoughts to come
