SHIPS OF WAR (DANIEL 11:40-45)

REFLECTION Ships of war is the theme for our reflection. The Prophet Daniel gives account of the conquest of the Roman Empire over the Syrian Empire culminating in the capturing of the Jews and other nations. “At the time of the end (Of Syrian Empire), the king of the south (Egyptian Empire) shall attack him…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Aug 3, 2022

2–3 minutes

REFLECTION

Ships of war is the theme for our reflection. The Prophet Daniel gives account of the conquest of the Roman Empire over the Syrian Empire culminating in the capturing of the Jews and other nations. “At the time of the end (Of Syrian Empire), the king of the south (Egyptian Empire) shall attack him (Syrian Empire), but the king of the north (Roman Empire) shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships…” (Daniel 11:40). “At the time of the end” refers to the end of the reign of the Greek or Syrian Empire. The Egyptian Empire had wanted to conquer the Syrian Empire but Egypt was over taken by the Roman Empire like a whirlwind with their powerful army of chariots, horsemen and many ships.

In our time and age, we still have ships of war by the so called super powers. Indeed, the more wars ships and missiles or weapons you possess the more powerful you are. While there is abject poverty and economic injustice around the world amidst environmental issues some nations spend uncountable money on developing war ships and sophisticated nuclear weapons all in the name of conquests and territorial security. What the world needs now is not ships of war but ships of relief items to where there are refugees. We do not need ships of war, we need ships of peace makers and ambassadors of reconciliation and development. Countries are making fortunes out of war. While others fight, others make fortune out of the said conflict because they are ever ready to provide Military and armory support in return for money. Believers or Christians are not to champion war or support conflict in any way, for Jesus admonishes us that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons (or daughters) of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Do not be part of ships of war but be part of ships of peace, reconciliation and sharing of the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18). Shalom

PRAYER

Lord of peace and love, make us ambassadors of peace, reconciliation and healing in our broken and war inflicted world. May ships of war become ships of peace and reconciliation. Amen.