At this moment Russian troops are positioned around Ukraine. There is political upheaval and violence within the former member of the Soviet Union. International tensions are high. Russian President Putin has declared that his country would be within its rights to use force if the need arises. Your children are hearing about these events.
What do you tell them? They will have questions or concerns or in some cases, fears that need to be addressed. One thing your children will not hear in the media coverage is who is really in control of this crisis. It is not President Putin or President Obama. It is not the United Nations, NATO, or the European Union.
Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, offered some astute political commentary on world events. He realized that God cannot be separated from governments. Nations and leaders serve at God’s pleasure. God governs the affairs of people. Encourage your children with the truth that the Holy Spirit gave to Nebuchadnezzar:
His dominion is an eternal dominion;
his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth
are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
with the powers of heaven
and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: “What have you done?”
Daniel 4:34b-35
Tell your children that Nebuchadnezzar is right. Even if the media ignores God, Jesus Christ is still the ruler of the Universe. We have chosen as a nation to act as if God is not the one to whom we owe our safety and protection. We continue to appeal to a moment of silence so that gods that are not God will not be offended. The insight and wisdom necessary to know how to respond to these events is found in the Bible.
However, following instruction of Scripture is now unconstitutional. By ignoring the rule and word of God, our nation’s leaders are playing chicken with God. This is not a good idea!
Whatever may happen the Ruler of the Universe, Jesus Christ, will do what he has purposed to do – bring honor to his great name. This is the message your children need to hear.
At this point we don’t know how this crisis will end. We don’t know if we will come to the brink of war and then back away, as was the case with the Cuban missile crisis fifty years ago. Perhaps there will be military action. What we do know is that God will be faithful to his honor purposes. We do know God is a God of mercy. Pray that the truth of gospel will go forth, especially now.
This is what you tell your children. When the news commentators and pundits offer dramatic scenarios that don’t include the Lord, point this out to your children. You can’t promise them that there won’t be war or that there will be peace. You can promise them that God will be faithful to his people and honor his own name regardless of what happens. Teach your children that it is good and wise to trust Christ as human uncertainty builds. Nothing is uncertain with God!
Then pray with your children and sleep in peace. Jesus Christ is on his throne!
4 thoughts on “Ukraine, your children, & a misinformed media”
Amen and Well said! God is in control and we can rest in peace knowing that everything is in His very capable hands.
Thanks so much for this reminder! We all forget sometimes and get caught up in what’s happening in “the world” while ultimately knowing, deep inside, that God is in control and all that happens is part of His plan.
Doug, no one knows the future except God. So you prepare your children to be ready for whatever God may bring. The peace you speak of in Luke 2 is specifically targeted for those on whom God’s favor rests and is not a general statement for all mankind. In Timothy Paul urges that the Christians pray for their leaders, even the evil emperors of Rome. Whether there is peace or war in the days ahead, we can and should prepare our children to seek first the kingdom of God in whatever circumstance may come. Thanks of your comment.
Comforting and powerful truth. I often say in evangelism training that the media, the education system, the health system, work unions, financial institutions….none of them have nor proclaim the truth. We as Christians are privileged to know God and make Him known. Of all institutions on earth, we alone know the truth. We know God reigns. He is in control.