Watching the coverage of the war in Ukraine, I can’t help but feel frustrated that more is not being done to help. I see images of children and families and their lives are being upended and homes destroyed by one man intent on conquest.

It got me thinking about NATO. With all their arsenal of weapons and strength of numbers they can’t do anything to stop the aggressive military advancement and destruction; the nuclear stakes are too high.

Recently I was watching a recorded discussion by Open Table Conference theologians discussing Revelation 5. They pointed out that the Beast so graphically depicted in Revelation is Empire. The people in Jesus’ day understood empire and it’s devastation for those conquered. The Roman Empire was ruthless and their power absolute.

Revelation is an unveiling of what should not be worshipped. Empire is the way of this world.

Jesus was tempted by the devil and the final temptation was about empire and rule. Matthew 4:8-11: Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of this world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

One man yet again has decided he has the right to destroy people in a mad quest for power, control, rule. The arrogance of that is staggering.

That got me thinking this morning about the difference between rulers of this world who resort to violence and lies….and God.

Jesus conquered not by overthrowing Rome as the people of Israel desperately wanted and expected. He conquered by laying down His life and dying for us.

Putin would never understand that. He is too busy forcing the USSR Empire no matter how much blood is spilled, how many lives destroyed even to the hurt of his own people.

Once again, the difference between what God stands for and offers each one of us and what Empire builders offer.

John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God tells me over and over to be patient and wait for Him. John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Putin is the latest in a long, long line of despots hunger for empire rule. Thanks be to God he is not in control. There is death and misery under his control and we don’t know how many more despots will rise after him. Their rule is temporary no matter how many years or decades they rule…there is thankfully an end to each despot.

John 11:25: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. the one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

I believe Him. I know His love and His light that darkness will never overcome.