A New Day
June 30, 2004

Iraq has their own new government.

This is cause for rejoicing! Sure, I know they have a long way to go; that they are not a purely democratic nation; that the bad guys are still out and about conducting their nefarious deeds; and that this is a transitional government until national elections can be held next year. But Iraqis now have the opportunity to freely govern themselves.

One test of this new government will be the manner in which they deal with their former dictator, Saddam Hussein. Will they try him in a court of law, providing him with legal counsel, based on the premise that a person is innocent until proven guilty? Or will we witness a sham trial that is nothing more than a kangaroo court, showing a pretense of fairness, while all along reverting to hooligan tactics which Saddam himself employed in cowing an entire nation?

Fear, retribution and revenge are powerful forces when unleashed by those who have been humiliated and debased. The "Arab Street" in Iraq may call for Saddam's head, but what is most needed at this hour is clear, reasoned thinking that does not give way to man's baser nature. Considering the history of this part of the world where violence and mayhem seem to be the order of the day, Iraq stands at the precipice of history to either rise above the cabal, or fall failingly into the abyss of man's insurrection.

With the Coalition Forces aiding in the training of Iraqi military and law enforcement agencies, there will be many challenging days ahead. It would do us well to remember that both Germany and Japan, though soundly defeated by the Allies in WWII, nevertheless, had many anxious years as new leaders and governmental structures arose as Phoenix from the ashes. Today those two countries are free nations, choosing their own democratic electorate. So, we must be patient with Iraq. They have had much to overcome, and there is yet more to overcome before they can be viewed as a civil nation among the community of nations.

Some naysayers suggest that this region of the world will not stand for a democracy in their midst. Really? Last time I checked, Israel was a democracy. A nation like Iraq that is rich in natural resources, oil being the most predominant, and located in the historic crossroads of three continents, could change the complexion of the entire region. This is what frightens the Islamic terrorists so much. So, you can expect to see some pretty vicious attempts to reverse the course Iraq is currently on.

There are those within the three major religions of the world — Judaism, Islam and Christianity — who say these countries have been at each other's throats for centuries, even millennia. To listen to them, as I have recently on news talk shows, it'll never change.

I take my worldview from the Bible. I know how everything turns out as far as the world coming to an end. It's recorded in the book of Revelation. But I've also read that God alone knows when this is going to happen. Simply put, my marching orders are to do God's will. What is his will, you ask? Let me put it like this: Romans 8:29 states that God's plan has always been to conform you and me into the image of His son, Jesus. The only way that can happen is for a complete surrender of my sinful life to Him, letting Him have His way with me. Until that happens, I'm capable of being as bad, or worse, than those hooded extremists who behead their victims.

"But, you're a chaplain, a man of God!" you protest.

You're correct. But, I have never forgotten how dark my heart was before I met Jesus. But He changed me. That's why I am a man of God. However, if I fail to walk with Him, I can quickly become that evil, malicious creature once again.

After such a life-transforming encounter with God, it's easy to see how Jesus could say to the disciples, "Go and make disciples of all nations." Man's heart must first be changed. Once this occurs, it is a joy to serve the Lord, wherever He leads.

A new day is dawning in Iraq where God wants to change hearts. Why? Because He loves every last one of the Iraqis, as well as the terrorists who continue to spread their hatred across the landscape of that ancient region.

Personally, I think this is an exciting time to witness God at work. Impossible, you say? Not with God it isn't.