Joshua 11:20 "For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses."
Joshua is busy kicking butt and taking names. He wages war and destroys several cities and groups of people.
I may never fully understand why God "hardened their hearts" and seemingly manipulated these wars. I trust he had his reasons. I do believe God is saddened by war today. And today the US finds itself in three wars-Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Libya. Yes, Libya may not be the definition of an all out war, but it still is a military conflict we are in. When will it end? Maybe the questions isn't when will it end but who will end war? Ultimately it is Jesus who gives us lasting and real peace. In times of war, we must fight for peace, and put our trust in the peace that Jesus provides.
Dear Jesus, I pray for the innocent ones in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya today. I also pray for our enemies. Protect them all and reveal yourself to them. Amen.
