August 21, 2024

On August 19, 2000 a Russian submarine (K-141 Kursk) named for the Battle of Kursk (region of Russia) had one of its torpedoes explode and subsequentially sank in the Barents Sea, taking the lives of the 118 crew members with it. The Battle of Kursk (W.W.II) is legendary to war historians since it is the largest single battle in the history of warfare. The losses of men in the Battle of Kursk were staggering, but in the end, Russia turned back Germany and have been pounding their chests over this battle ever since. The sinking of the Kursk submarine seemed out of place, or was it an omen of sorts?

24 years after the Kursk submarine sank, Ukraine has, ironically invaded Kursk in an effort to take the war Russia started with Ukraine back to Russia to gain some leverage for negotiations and relieve some of the pressure that Ukraine is experiencing on the front lines further to the south. Ukraine’s surprise attack on the Kursk region started on August 6. As of this morning, more than 2 weeks later, Russia has yet to respond in a coherent and coordinated way to its own country being invaded. Pundits are baffled and pro-Russian bloggers are stumped. The invasion is more than a symbolic bloody nose. Ukraine now occupies and controls more than 450 square miles of Russia (over 3x the size of Detroit). Compared with the land mass of Russia, it’s not much, but still. On paper, Russia should have run over and crushed Ukraine long ago. Why haven’t they? And now, why haven’t they responded in a timely fashion to this new front in the war? War is determined by more than just the amount of weapons and soldiers.

Here is my take. Putin, like Stalin, Hitler and King Saul, is an insecure ego-maniac who rules with fear. Leaders like this rule by pitting subordinates against one another as they vie for power and influence. The undisputed leader can, in a moment, dismiss (even execute) subordinates, so those who are under him are afraid to tell him the truth even as they serve in a snake pit of his making since the other leaders will happily step on one another in order to advance themselves. The result is that division leaders (army, air force, navy) find it almost impossible to work together in order to create cohesive plans. They do not trust each other. Therefore, good (even basic) communication between them is usually a challenge. There are so many moving parts that have to come together for a strategic battle plan and it demands detailed coordination and trust. Leadership that rules through fear, does not create trust. While fear is powerful, it is not sticky enough to last for a long time. Putin’s reign is a house of cards. There is no loyalty among thieves.

I do not know when Putin’s regime will collapse, but it will. The same holds true for Satan’s reign. And though this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear for God has willed, his truth to triumph through us. Satan is the ultimate ruler of fear and terror. His craft and power is great, and while he is armed with cruel hate without an earthly equal, his craft and power is not ultimate. Fear is strong, but not as strong, nor enduring as love. Fear collapses in on itself. Love never fails.

You have experienced this. Managers, owners, coaches, bosses, head nurses who lead through intimidation and fear get results, for a time, but they do not engender loyalty or unity. But when you are loved, known, trusted, and encouraged you thrive and you don’t have to be told to pull your weight, you want to. In the ultimate sense, the Kingdom of Christ cannot be stopped because obviously, Christ has supreme authority and is King. At the same time, his kingdom is held together and advanced through the love his people have for Him and others. You will never regret your love and trust of Christ. Your faith will reap a dividend for eternity. Press on.

That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth; Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.

With joy,

Bob

Sunday’s text: Luke 8:19-21