I had so many questions about “The why,” and “Why now?,” as bombs began to fall over the weekend? Days later,  justifications continue to change for, “The why,”  the United States joined Israel, to attack and wage war against Iran.

Rumors circulate  war with Iran was started, to set off events throughout the Middle East, bringing about the second coming of Jesus, spoken even by some leaders in our military.  Theories spread, by those who misunderstand the cry of God’s heart, for people to live in peace,  with mercy, compassion and love for one another.

The deaths, destruction and shattering of lives by our bombs, can never be taken lightly. Nor can the repercussions, affecting those who started the war. Already United States personnel have been killed.

The selfish part of us, wants to know, how this conflict, this new war is going to affect us? How will it impact our families? Will our children and grandchildren be safe? What is the long-term outcome, and how will it impact our lives, and lives of those who are precious to us?

Today we have no answers, no certainties, no real assurances. In my mind I continue to hear phrases from the old gospel peace and justice song, “I ain’t going to study war no more, I ain’t going to study war no more.” I hear lines from Harry Emerson Fosdick’s hymn, “God of Grace and God of Glory,”  words imploring God to,   “Cure Thy children’s warring madness, Bend our pride to Thy control . . . Save us from weak resignation, to the evils we deplore.”

Our hearts yearn for the day when swords are turned into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks, and the nations of the world lay down their arms. We ache for a day, when ballistic missiles, nuclear bombs and all the worlds’ arsenals, are turned into food for the hungry, cures for the sick and housing for the homeless. We yearn for a time when resources used for instruments of war, are transformed into the care and the well-being of all God’s children.

We yearn, because God has planted this yearning in our hearts. A yearning to live into Isaiah’s vision, when all of us live in peace and harmony together.

“God shall judge between the nations
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation;
neither shall they learn war any more.” Isaiah 2:4