“Remember, once we pass this gate, no photographs until I tell you it’s okay.”

We were touring the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone, one of the last vestiges of the Cold War. This narrow swath of land divides North and South Korea and was established by the United Nations, North Korea, and China in 1953 as conditions of an armistice agreement. Our tour guide was a former South Korean army soldier who served two years at the DMZ. As we surveyed the barbed wire, guard towers that lined both sides, we were reminded that a state of war exists. We endured two checkpoints where the guards inspected our passports and verified our headcount. We witnessed numerous tunnels that the North Koreans have constructed as part of an elaborate scheme to attack South Korea. We listened to loudspeakers blaring South Korean propaganda messages to entice North Koreans to defect. 

Our guide recounted his family’s stories, dealing with the separation of family members now living in North Korea. Throughout the visitor center are grim reminders of the desperate search to locate them.  It revealed a personal side of the war, infrequently heard by non-Koreans. Nations may be in a civil war, but the people suffer the most. 

The Bible records numerous examples of civil war. Israel was divided into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. During the period of the Judges, the tribe of Benjamin was nearly decimated by the other tribes. Moses dealt with a rebellion led by Korah. Nations, tribes, and families are susceptible to civil war, and millions have suffered.

Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

Romans 1:21-23 (NLT)

What is the most devastating civil war? We created it and remain at war with God. God created us as one family, in His image as His sons and daughters. In this perfect family, we chose to rebel and sin against God, our Father. Everyone suffers through this pain of separation. Thanks be to God that He gave us a solution. Not a truce nor a demilitarized zone. He offered a sacrifice. He gave us His only Son to die for our sins and receive the punishment that we deserved. Through the power of the Resurrection, Jesus Christ conquered death and showed that all who confess and repent of their sins and place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior would receive salvation and eternal life. 

We do not have to be at war with God. He has given us the answer when all our actions have failed. 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.