Relief In Ulster

Welcome relief has been brought to Ulster over recent months, following a complete cessation of military operations by the two major terrorist

organizations.

For twenty-five years the Troubles have afflicted the Province, causing over 3000 deaths and more than 36,000 injured. Whatever the reservations of some about the durability of the respite, there could only be widespread thankfulness for the dramatic reduction of violence.

All who have prayed over the years for God's merciful intervention must surely join in thankfulness to Him for this development Gratefully let us acknowledge that in His sovereignty it has pleased Him to bring about the change. As we read in Proverbs 21:1, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever He will". Doubtless this is in response to much prayer.

Deep sympathies have been stirred in countless hearts for the many who mourn the loss of their loved ones as a result of the Troubles; and also for those maimed from injuries caused by ruthless, indiscriminate attacks. Understandably great bitterness still pervades many lives. Nevertheless there have been outstanding examples of Christian grace, when believers in the Lord Jesus have followed His example, forgiving those who wronged them, and praying for their salvation. Even among convicted terrorists in the Maze Prison the Holy Spirit has brought about conviction of sin, repentance before God and faith in Jesus Christ Terrorists of opposite camps have as a result been reconciled to God, and being now one in Christ Jesus have shared together in prayer and' Bible study - reconciled in one Body unto God through the Cross, the enmity having been slain thereby (cf. Eph. 2:13-17).

The Ulster Troubles have of course had repercussions far beyond the boundaries of the Province. Bombings on Britain's mainland have caused extensive damage and some loss of life or injuries. In North America there has been significant involvement of people whose sympathies lay with one or other parties to the conflict. One of the most harmful effects has been a tendency for the general public to regard the matter as a religious confrontation, Catholic versus Protestant, which is an over-simplification.

Leaders of both religious camps have strongly denounced violence and terrorism, stressing that the churches they represent have no part in such activities and no sympathy with them. Yet the general impression persists and many unbelievers are stumbled by it Religion causes wars, they argue, and they make this yet another reason for not accepting the truth of the gospel. How subtly the god of this age blinds the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them (see 2 Cor. 4:4).

The past quarter-century of violence in Northern Ireland illustrates the accuracy of Scripture in its analysis of our human condition as God sees it:

There is none righteous, no, not one...

They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable...

Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways;

And the way of peace have they not known:

There is no fear of God before their eyes (Rom. 3:10-18).

Here are spelt out the tendencies of the human heart in alienation from God through sin. Amidst all the civilization of modern western society these trends have erupted in the terrorist activities of the Ulster Troubles. Nor is this an isolated example, an exception in today's world. In Israel and Egypt, in Colombia and Sri Lanka, in Bosnia and Georgia, to name but a few places, terrorist violence brings its fearful quota of misery and suffering. Just below the surface of seemingly civilized societies there lurk elements of evil which may so quickly assert themselves, bringing violence and bloodshed.

However, our present refuge is in the secret place of the Most High, and we can say of the Lord, "He is my Refuge and my Fortress; my God in whom I trust" (Ps. 91:1,2). While our future hope for a strife-torn world lies in the assured promise that the Lord Jesus "shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked unto Him shall the nations seek; and His resting place shall be glorious" (Is.11:4,10).

"Amen: come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20).

unknown | Feb 1995
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