The word is courage and it’s something more often associated with soldiers than Christians who walk the way of Christ’s Peace. As our troops are advancing to military victory in Iraq tales of heroism on the battlefield will be reported by American media. The pictures of young people in American uniforms advancing under fire, trying to treat Iraq civilians in a humane matter, as opposed to images of peace rallies of folks carrying signs in peace demonstrations here at home, will tell our neighbors who are the heroes and who are the tolerated, sheltered, ranks of the confused.

If the conflict continues the way it’s unfolding, with few causalities compared to the scope of the fighting, warnings issued before America invaded Iraq, about the cost of victory, will seem naïve. And the damage that has been done to our nation’s credibility, and the hate it has reinforced in the Arab world against us, will not be understood, let alone noticed.

(note the following from the 4-06-2003 Washington Post:)

"Still, many analysts expect a sharp increase in terrorism. A Western diplomat in Riyadh said popular anger and anti-American sentiment have raised the potential for terror attacks against Western targets in Saudi Arabia to a higher level than has been seen in "a long, long time." Others experts warn of attacks against pro-American leaders in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman in response to what one radical here called "the treachery of the self-appointed rulers of the Arabian Peninsula."

In Jakarta, Robin Bush, director of the Islam and Civil Society program for the Asia Foundation in Jakarta, said: "The anger against the United States is very strong and is widespread across the board. The repercussions will be felt for a long time."

These are times when those of us who believe that Jesus calls for an all inclusive lifestyle of peaceful living – one that insists we love our enemies as much as we love the members of our own family – will indeed need more courage than a solider.

After all, our soldiers have their weapons, the finest technology our nation can develop, other soldiers, and a very talented and well-prepared leadership behind them.

Christians who understand Jesus to be Lord of Peace, outside of prayer, have no such resources. We are a minority even within our country’s own peace movement. If the United States had been attacked a good number of the folks protesting America’s attack on Iraq would not be walking with us. And a good number of those stepping aside would be Christians. Let’s be honest, the leadership in most churches, peace congregation or not, is match for the resources and leadership ability of the American military. Wouldn’t be a great day if the Christian church could recruit as successfully as the military?

Do things look bleak for the Christian peace witness in this country? You bet, it is indeed a time for courage. But there is good news to be had. First let’s look at the different kind of courage a soldier and a Christian have. A soldier needs courage to overcome their adversaries. A Christian has courage because our adversaries have already been overcome by our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not trying to achieve victory. Christians already have had the battle won for them.

We don’t need courage to kill but courage to live. While our means may be modest, there is a power Jesus has promised those who place faith in his victory. The power exists in every human heart. It is the power to overcome fear, hate, and greed, and allows its user to love their enemies. A power that compels us to go and serve in ways and places that others may not understand or agree with. It’s a long term power that doesn’t always show results in a two week war. But the power can never be conquered, not by communist, terrorists, or even the French!

This power won’t often be captured on TV screens, or Internet News sites, but it’s the power that gives the world hope. How I love that old hymn "Power In The Blood," it lyrics may be a bit dated but the feeling it gives is immortal.

Have you noticed in the news reports from Iraq that the ordinary people keep saying "God is great!" But they are speaking in the context that they have no control over their lives with a kind of fatalism. Christian courage tells us that God is indeed great. But great because things are going to get better, maybe not immediately, but the Kingdom is coming for sure.

Matthew 5:5-9 NRSV