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Ukraine and Easter

By Bill MacLeod, Executive Director

Everyone loves a David and Goliath story. What has been unfolding in Ukraine since the end of February is both horrific and miraculous. Russia taking aggressive action against a sovereign, unsuspecting nation (the Number One Missionary-sending country to Europe and Central Asia by the way); includes the deliberate killing of ordinary civilians, over 4 million refugees fleeing to neighboring countries; hundreds of thousands Ukrainian citizens remaining to defend their country, all led by a President who is Jewish with a family history of resisting tyranny while he himself had previously been a career actor and comedian.

Several impressions stand out to me watching this scene play out on the world stage:

  • Change in focus: Ukraine news coverage in the US has almost completely taken the media spotlight off the pandemic, our woes, and ourselves, after two full years.
  • Unifying effect: Ukraine’s troubles appear to have had a unifying effect on the world, as most countries have come together to unanimously condemn the actions of the aggressor. Even in a relativistic world, most see the remarkable assault by the Russian dictator as universally wrong.
  • Perfect Backdrop: With Easter upon us, Ukraine reminds us that only in the shadow of the Cross can a David defeat a Goliath…
    • The Unbelievable becomes Possible…no one expected anything but certain defeat for, by comparison, the weak, virtuously defenseless Ukraine.
    • Victims become Victors…the indomitable will to “win or die” began to turn the tide as one man, the President of Ukraine, led by example.
    • Hope flourishes out of Chaos…whole cities continue to be destroyed by foreign military forces, yet there is hope expressed in the face of death, destruction, and mayhem. The will of Ukrainians is on display. Their actions demonstrate that true freedom resides not in doing what we want, but in what we ought.

Easter reminds us that Jesus Christ entered our world and through His life, death, burial, and resurrection bore our sins upon Himself so we might die to sin and live for righteousness. In the process, he disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. He must reign, not just in this present crisis but until He has put all his enemies under his feet.

We must certainly continue to pray for Ukraine, and if you wish to support reputable Christian organizations bringing help and hope to Ukraine, a number of our longstanding friends who work there will put your donations to work, namely, World Relief, Action International, SEND International, Operation Mobilization, Greater Europe Mission, Samaritan’s Purse, Medical Teams International, Hope International, and The Salvation Army. Additionally, the National Christian Foundation has vetted a list of 20+ here. With the Lord’s help, may this Easter bring about Goliath’s demise in Ukraine; and may the Christ of the Resurrection bring you hope and peace, dear friend.