September 1,  Anti-War Day

The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 24, 6 - 8

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these represent the beginning of birth-pains. 

Dear Readers,

September 1 commemorates the so-called “Anti-War Day” here in Germany. The reason for this day of remembrance is that on September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded its neighbor Poland. This marked the beginning of World War II. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) established this day in remembrance to commemorate the commitment to peace between nations.

The stamp of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa also commemorates peace. A soldier is feeding a small child. It is a dreamlike image. Our world would rejoice if all soldiers laid down their weapons and instead picked up a spoon to feed hungry children. With spoons instead of guns, wars would no longer last. 

With his so-called end-time discourse, the Lord Jesus Christ brings us right back down to earth out of these dreams. Jesus Christ confronts his disciples with the brutal reality: Since all times, people have fought each other to the death. Jesus did not call for an anti-war day, but he relentlessly shows where godlessness can lead to. Those who use violence have no respect for the lives of their fellow human beings or for our God as well. Unfortunately, this year too, we must watch as children starve to death around the world while godlessness triumphs on the battlefields.

However, wars and famines are not the last word in world history. God himself has the last word! It is the word of the beginning of a new era. This new era will begin with the return of Jesus. In this coming era, HE will hold his judgment over all mankind. Jesus Christ will call humanity to account on this day. Nothing will remain unpunished. He will judge both the dead and the living.

Experience teaches us that neither appeals nor memorial days will lead to peace on our maltreated earth. What Jesus Christ prophesied 2000 years ago was a bitter reality back then and remains so to this very day. However, I hold firmly to the conviction that Jesus Christ will fulfill his promise and establish his righteousness and his kingdom of peace on this earth. 

The end of labor pains is birth. A child is born, and parents rejoice! Jesus uses this comparison for the development in this world. As after “birth pains”, the crucified and risen Christ will “give birth” to a new world. He will bring a turning point. With him, something new will begin, the birth of a new world. Through him, and only through Jesus Christ, there will be a new reality. I can imagine that it will be like the picture on the stamp: one person giving food to another. Lovingly! Spoons instead of weapons. I trust on this hope and it accompanies me - not only on Anti-War Day 2024.

Thank you very much for listening to me. I cordially invite you to the next service on September 15. Until then, may our good God bless you!