Thank You Frank Buckles. But even a guy like him can only do so much.

Frank Buckles, one hundred ten years old--still sharp just three years ago died February 27. Corporal was the last known living, American Veteran of World War I. He denied lying, but he added a few years to his age so he could enlist. At sixteen Buckles was driving an ambulance in Europe.
Far be it from me to accuse such an honorable man of prevarication, and I'm certainly not going question the patriotism of those who gave so much for their country, but there was an untruth involved in that first great global conflict.

World War I was called the "War to end all wars. It is a sentiment that is not isolated to the first part of the Twentieth Century. Unfortunately, the plan didn't quite work out--World War II, the Korean Conflict (still unresolved) Southeast Asia, various rebellions ruthlessly suppressed by the Soviet Union, Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Libya provide evidence that all wars were not ended. Ironically, Frank Buckles, though a civilian became a De facto POW in the second world war.

I'm not saying that the world is not a better place because of the right side--or maybe the "less wrong" side--winning a number of those conflicts, but clearly some humility is in order. Bringing peace to the world is beyond the likes of us, even if we start at fifteen and live ten years into our second century. Jesus said we would continue to deal with "wars and rumors of wars." (Mark 13:7) It is clear that Jesus uttered these words in a context that deals with the culmination of times. It appears to be a part of the human condition. Going to war is a serious matter. Sometimes it is necessary, but let us not have an inflated notion of our abilities. The same, BTW, can be said about politics, philanthropy, and other worthwhile activities. We can make a difference, and we can a case can be made that we should, but we won't fix it all.

Soon the strains of Handel will swell in celebration of our Lord's resurrection. (If you click here you can hear a recording of the Hallelujah Chorus, recorded on Edison Diamond Disc at about the time young Frank was inflating his age so he could serve his country.) The peace we long for will not come from military success. We won't see it until "The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord." (Handel took these words from Revelation 11:15.)

"Even so come Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)

It's STTA.