Leviticus 19:18 (Contemporary English Version)
18 Stop being angry and don’t try to take revenge. I am the LORD, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
Photographers who shoot war (s) tell a story unlike any visual story telling I know. It brings home in my heart the sanctity of life and how unseemly a life is snatched away by a bullet, bomb or shrapnel. For causes that remain a mystery to a lot of us. I know. My brother was killed in combat in the Vietnam War. He flew helicopters.
If you are like me, I was not aware Leviticus had this kind of text. A lot of us humans think of the book of Leviticus as rules and regulations (not be obeyed or adhered to) that were relevant in that day, however, in post modern western values, is deemed a draconian book.
I sure wish Saddam Hussein had taken this verse into his heart.
A report by the FBI several years ago revealed part of the motivations why Saddam Hussein went to war with Saudi Arabia prior Persian gulf war conflict in1991.
Saddam Hussein espoused Arab Socialism and nationalized western owned oil companies in Iraq (now thats motivation). Before that, the oil in Iraq was owned and controlled by Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian and Shell Oil company. I’m thinking greed now?
An FBI agent (undercover) spent a year or more with Saddam Hussein, gaining his trust and friendship. Hopefully Saddam would disclose secret information of any hidden weapons of “mass destruction” and other secrets that would help the United State end the war sooner rather later.
A fascinating detail was shared by Mr. Hussein to the undercover FBI agent. Why did Saddam Hussein go to war with Saudi Arabia?
The first motivation, He was offended. He was snubbed by the royal family of Saudi Arabia. He was “left out” of some “big wig” event and Saddam had expections how he should be treated. One might call that unreasonable expectations.
Jesus said something along these lines (John 6: start at verse 61)
Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
I understand where Peter is coming from; I have nowhere to go either. I know you are Grace and Truth. I have placed to many of my dependencies on people, prestige, self-esteem, and places. I’m wrong and need your love, mercy, power and presence. By your grace I will not play out the role of a victim, but I am powerless, and You are not. Ken’s prayer; “Please help me Jesus, when offense comes, let me not be offended”
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