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National Resources, Foreign Wars, and the Search for True Peace

Should we trust human governments or divine provision for our security?

AdventAI

Israel is the one thing since 9/11 that I've seen everybody rallying around. >> Mhm. [clears throat] >> Get off our [ __ ] [music] tit. >> Yep. >> We're tired of paying for your [ __ ] education. We're tired of paying for your universal health care. We're tired of paying for your [ __ ] Iron Dome. We're tired of paying for your [ __ ] missile [music] defense. We get it. We're We are a [ __ ] cow pasture for Israel. We're tired of fighting your [ __ ] wars. We're tired of dying for your [ __ ] causes. [ __ ] you guys. >> apparently protect their pedophiles. >> Everybody knows. Thoughts on this?

AdventAI

While the political and economic landscape involves many complex alliances, there is a clear divine warning against placing ultimate trust in human governments or earthly powers to solve our deepest problems Psalms 146:3-4.

The True Source of Support

Resources used for political and military ends are often a strain on a nation's strength, yet true prosperity and security come only from a higher source Psalms 46:1.

  • Divine Provision: It is God who upholds those who fall and provides for every living thing Psalms 145:14-16.

  • Spiritual Stewardship: Financial resources are regarded as a sacred reserve to be used for the advancement of the gospel and the benefit of the needy, rather than for self-serving national interests.

  • The Example of Christ: Christ taught that greatness is found in service and sacrifice for others, not in the exercise of power or the collection of tribute.

National Policy and Foreign Entanglements

Nations often find themselves trapped in long-term entanglements and wars that drain their vitality and spirit.

  • The Risk of Politics: Ecclesiastical and religious influences entering into politics often lead to the repudiation of republican principles and the establishment of "one-man power" or absolute authority.

  • Ineffectiveness of Political Religion: Attempting to purify politics through religious platforms or the recognition of religious figures in government often produces hypocrisy rather than genuine moral elevation.

  • Foreign Intervention: History shows that leaders often count on foreign intervention or alliances to maintain power, but these earthly supports eventually fail Daniel 11:45.

Focus on Personal and Global Mission

Rather than being absorbed by the shifting tides of international politics, there is a call to focus on the work of salvation and the relief of suffering.

  • Helping the Needy: True ministry involves helping the poor and oppressed as representatives of Christ.

  • Educational and Medical Work: The priority should be on training individuals to provide physical and spiritual healing to the world through natural means and the word of God.

  • Preparation for the Future: We are living in perilous times where knowledge is increasing, and it is vital to be firmly rooted in faith rather than moved by every new political or social sensation Daniel 12:4.

Ultimately, "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help". It is only by turning to the Lord and following His ways that true peace is found, for He is the one who "maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth" Psalms 46:9.

Sources · 23
  1. PTUK August 11, 1898, page 504.3The Present Truth, vol. 14Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  2. NWAD DRAIN.6Noah Webster’s 1828 DictionaryNoah Webster
  3. PTUK May 13, 1897, page 290.16The Present Truth, vol. 13Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  4. 8T 275.3Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8Ellen Gould White
  5. COL 300.3Christ’s Object LessonsEllen Gould White
  6. 2T 24.1Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2Ellen Gould White
  7. RH May 9, 1893, par. 7The Review and HeraldEllen Gould White
  8. ST May 16, 1900, par. 4The Signs of the TimesEllen Gould White
  9. RH January 12, 1905, par. 11The Review and HeraldEllen Gould White
  10. ECE 80.1Ecclesiastical EmpireAlonzo Trevier Jones
  11. PTUK February 13, 1896, page 99.6The Present Truth, vol. 12Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  12. ARSH June 28, 1898, page 411.1The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 75Alonzo Trevier Jones
  13. ARSH January 16, 1900, page 48.1The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 77Alonzo Trevier Jones
  14. AMS July 1887, page 52.2American Sentinel, vol. 2Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  15. AMS August 14, 1889, page 226.9American Sentinel, vol. 4Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  16. ARSH December 29, 1863, page 34.13Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 23Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald
  17. SpTB08 14.3Testimonies to the Church Regarding The Strengthening of Our Institutions and Training CentersEllen Gould White
  18. GCB January 1, 1900, Art. A, par. 22The General Conference BulletinEllen Gould White
  19. 9LtMs, Lt 93, 1894, par. 12Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)Ellen Gould White
  20. 8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 32Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)Ellen Gould White
  21. LLM 10.4Loma Linda MessagesEllen Gould White
  22. 24LtMs, Ms 9, 1909, par. 18Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)Ellen Gould White
  23. GCB July 1, 1900, page 157.4General Conference Bulletin, vol. 3General Conference of SDA

You thoughts specifically j the Israel allegations

AdventAI

Regarding the specific allegations and the tensions surrounding national alliances and funding, it is vital to remember that we are cautioned against putting our ultimate trust in princes or human governments for our security Psalms 146:3. History shows that international entanglements and foreign wars can drain a country of its strength and resources for many generations. 🌍

Stewardship and National Resources

The use of a nation's means is a serious matter, as resources are often intended by God to be a sacred reserve for the benefit of His cause and the relief of the needy.

  • When a people or nation increases in riches but grows more selfish, they often lose sight of the suffering and the wants of the poor.
  • Christ provided an example of true service by laying aside His royal position to help the oppressed and the down-trodden, rather than demanding tribute or service for Himself. ✨

The Danger of Political Alliances

The mixing of religious influence with national politics is often seen as a dangerous path that can lead to the repudiation of principles of liberty.

  • Political struggles for power and place often mirror the decline of historical empires that eventually fell because of their own iniquity.
  • It is observed that when politics and religion are combined for national advantage, it often creates hypocrisy rather than genuine moral elevation. 🏛️

Seeking a Higher Peace

While the world is filled with signs of restlessness and hostility between nations, the Bible points to a different source of help.

  • Even those who plant their palaces in "the glorious holy mountain" will eventually come to their end, and human alliances will not be able to help them Daniel 11:45.
  • Rather than being absorbed by political sensations or nationalistic conflicts, we are encouraged to keep our energies focused on the message of the gospel and the faith of Jesus.
  • True peace and the cessation of conflict come only from God, who is our refuge and strength in times of trouble Psalms 46:1. 🙏

In these perilous times, it is important to be firmly rooted in faith so that we are not moved by the shifting tides of human politics. Knowledge may increase in the world, but our focus must remain on the work of salvation and the healing of others Daniel 12:4.

Sources · 16
  1. PTUK August 11, 1898, page 504.3The Present Truth, vol. 14Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  2. ECE 80.1Ecclesiastical EmpireAlonzo Trevier Jones
  3. NWAD DRAIN.6Noah Webster’s 1828 DictionaryNoah Webster
  4. COL 300.3Christ’s Object LessonsEllen Gould White
  5. RH May 9, 1893, par. 7The Review and HeraldEllen Gould White
  6. 2T 24.1Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2Ellen Gould White
  7. RH January 12, 1905, par. 11The Review and HeraldEllen Gould White
  8. 8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 32Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)Ellen Gould White
  9. ARSH June 28, 1898, page 411.1The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 75Alonzo Trevier Jones
  10. ARSH January 16, 1900, page 48.1The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 77Alonzo Trevier Jones
  11. AMS July 1887, page 52.2American Sentinel, vol. 2Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  12. GCB July 1, 1900, page 157.4General Conference Bulletin, vol. 3General Conference of SDA
  13. AMS August 14, 1889, page 226.9American Sentinel, vol. 4Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  14. PTUK February 13, 1896, page 99.6The Present Truth, vol. 12Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  15. GCB January 1, 1900, Art. A, par. 22The General Conference BulletinEllen Gould White
  16. 9LtMs, Lt 93, 1894, par. 12Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)Ellen Gould White