In November 1979, an international crisis began in Iran when 66 Americans were held hostage by radical Islamists for over a year. After years of feckless leadership by Democrat President Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan was elected and quickly set them free as they exited with the only four books they were allowed to have during their ordeal. How my book, “Clap Your Hands!” got there was what I call a divine appointment!
A centerpiece of the book was a dream in which I stood in the Vatican appealing respectfully to the Pope to adjust things in the Catholic Church to align more with the Bible. In light of recent comments and actions by Pope Leo, I would relish the opportunity to make a similar case with the Holy Father if given the opportunity today. In his role as a religious leader of Catholics worldwide he serves as:
1. A peacemaker
2. Pacifist in his role.
Donald Trump in his role as President and Commander-in-chief serves as protector of Americans.
Controversy and confusion arises when the Pope steps out of his sphere to lecture the president on foreign policy, such as our recent military action in Iran. Condemning the president’s threats regarding Iran caused a backlash as President Trump said he was ‘stepping out of his role as a religious leader.’
Scripture Speaks
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority, except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God‘s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God‘s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Rom. 13:1–4)
The primary functions of legitimate civil government are simple:
1. Promote good.
2. Punish evil.
Throughout history, there have been times when military action and wars were necessary. It was not to seek revenge and kill civilians, but when we have tyrannical, rulers murdering people and promoting terrorism, we should pray and seek justice through the workings of civil authorities.
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Jesus said, “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matt.10:34). Facing the reality of evil in the world, He directed His disciples to go forth and carry a sword for protection and self-defense (Lk .22:36). In Gethsemane He did not tell Peter to throw away his sword but simply put it back in its place (Matt. 26:52).
Iranian Threat
As the dishonest media and the radicalized Democratic Party work aggressively to discredit the Trump Administration and deceive us on our righteous mission of disarming the religious Nazi terrorist state of Iran, we must have moral clarity about the brutal reality of Islam, and its expressed goal of global conquest. We cannot be naïve and deceived regarding a nuclear-armed Iran. As the number one sponsor of terrorism around the world and their vow to destroy Israel and America, since 1979, they’ve shown by their acts that they meant what they have said. They were on the very threshold of having and using nuclear weapons! A line had to be drawn to stop them once and for all!
“When you see a rattlesnake poised to strike you, you do not wait until you’re struck to cut off his head!” So declared President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on September 11, 1941 as we faced the menace of Japan and Germany requiring a courageous stand against their aggression. England’s Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain came back, waving a “peace agreement” he had made with Hitler, but he was deceived! One year later, the Nazis invaded Poland and Europe was tragically ill-prepared. As a result, 73 million human beings were killed in World War II! The slaughter continued until we dropped an atomic (not nuclear) “Little Boy” bomb on Hiroshima, Japan that totally vaporized 72,000 people in seconds!
Fact: Thermo nuclear bombs are at minimum 100 times more powerful and destructive than what hit Hiroshima. Where I live in Franklin, Tennessee, we have about 90,000 people so imagine the devastation from a nuclear strike today plus the radiation spreading to all surrounding areas!
Question: “Do you want Iran, a radical terrorist death cult committed to the annihilation of Israel and America (plus a world under Sharia law) to have a nuclear weapon?”
We can’t risk affirming Pope Leo and his well-intended peaceful but unrealistic platitudes in the face of apocalyptic realities.
The Bible calls us at the end of the age to be “watchful and pray.”(Lk.21:36). “Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are condemned to repeat them.” (George Santayana). In spite of the bombardment of progressive leftists, isolationists and ignorant masses panicking over temporary gas and grocery prices, we finally have a president for the first time in 47 years of Iran’s crazed religious insanity, who is taking decisive action before we, our children and grandchildren live with a lifetime of regret. Let’s not be concerned about cowardly NATO allies either, they caved when we called for a show of support…
Little Red Hen
Remember the classic story from 1874 that we were taught as children about the “Little Red Hen?” It’s a parable with real application for Great Britain, France, Italy and all our so-called “allies.”
An industrious hen worked for days in the barnyard to collect wheat to make bread. At every stage she asked animals for help, but they refused. She harvested and worked the wheat into flour before finally baking the bread. Finally, with the delicious bread and smell permeating the yard, she asked them who would like to partake? They accepted, but she refused, telling them that the next time she begins the process, if they help, they could all enjoy the bread! Do you think they helped the next time?
If a mass murderer lived next door and for almost 50 years regularly, told you he was going to kill you, your children and your grandchildren while he boasted that he was also funding “hitmen” who were carrying out his bidding in the neighborhood, would you simply wait passively for the maniacal killer or do you think you’d work with authorities to take immediate action before it’s too late?
Here’s the deal
In this critical point in world history, may we pray daily for our leaders, whether spiritual or political, to stop squabbling, stay in their sphere and seek God for wisdom to defeat the enemy at the gates.
Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author of 10 books, cultural commentator of 50 years, Intercessors for America board member and a public policy adviser with Liberty Counsel. Go to larrytomczak.com to watch 30 amazing, free, brief, on-demand videos by America’s top leaders so you can confidently address today’s tough issues.
