March 16, 2022

The President of Ukraine addressed Congress this morning and did a commendable job in pleading for more U.S. assistance in defending his nation against Russia’s invasion. Should we do more? Why, or why not?

This past Sunday, Seth Curtis reminded us that as followers of Christ, we have two passports. We have our earthly passport that identifies the nation we are citizens of on earth and we have our heavenly passport that reminds us that we are ultimately and eternally citizens of the Kingdom of Christ. There are times when those passports collide and we have to pick our allegiance to the King over our earthly citizenship.

But, consider your earthly passport for a second as it relates to Ukraine. As an American and, let’s say as a member of the State Department, this is the question: Should we get more involved in this war? That is not an easy question to answer, is it? President Zelensky’s appeal this morning really tugged at our heart strings and with good reason. But, as terrible as the situation is, is it our job as a nation to try to help everyone else out? That is the debate.

Now, consider your eternal passport. As a follower of Christ, do we have a responsibility to our fellow citizens (brothers and sisters in Christ) in Ukraine? Ah, now there is no debate on that. The answer is, absolutely!! How then do we help?

Pray and keep praying. Pray for the safety and courage of the Ukrainian believers. Many are still in Ukraine and many are refugees. Those staying behind are trying to help others, and those who are refugees are trying to help others. Pray for the spread of the gospel. There are believers, who have been hunkering down in subway shelters, who have opportunities to share about their hope in Christ. There are believers who are hiding out in church buildings with others from their local area. Pray that the Lord uses even the evil of this invasion as an agent for eternal good.

We can also give funds. SEND is a mission agency that has a presence in Ukraine as is ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism). Samaritans Purse (which spearheads Operation Christmas Child) has an organizational structure that, like SEND and ABWE, can provide physical help with gospel hope. From March 20-27 we are going to be taking a special offering that will go to these organizations to help care for our brothers and sisters and to help them care for their friends and neighbors with practical care and eternal hope.

Grace and Peace,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: 1 Samuel 14:24-4