Tag: denuclearization

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CLARITY – 4-28-18 Agree to Agree

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 4-28-18

 

Agree to Agree

 

What’s Happening:  “It was quite a photo-op to have the two rivals, Kim Jong-Un of North Korea and Moon Jae-In of South Korea, hug. Much ‘Pomp and Circumstance,’ not much substance…at least not yet. Seoul and Pyongyang have the denuclearization’ of the peninsula and the re-unification of the two peoples as goals; however, the devil may be in the details… (https://www.nknews.org/2018/04/two-koreas-agree-to-end-armistice-agreement-sign-peace-treaty/).  ‘South and North Korea will actively cooperate to establish a permanent and solid peace regime on the Korean Peninsula,’ the ‘agree to agree’ statement read.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I guess I had better keep my fingers crossed!”

 

Biblical Response:  “Hopefully, continued peace will not rely on your ongoing digital resolve… however euphemistically you might have intended that remark. Seriously, there have been other (previously unsuccessful) attempts at peace. Of course, Trump and his harsh rhetoric was not being brandished then. ”

 

“Christians? Things get done when honesty prevails (James 5:12). Will Trump really back up his words with action…or is his ‘fire and fury’ threat empty. Maybe he has ‘Rocket Man’ convinced.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help our leaders (especially Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and President Trump) discern a real desire for peace from just another obfuscation to buy more time; in  Jesus’ Name, amen.” © Alan E.Sargent

 

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe to any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

 

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CLARITY – 3-9-18 Throwing Around the “D” Word

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 3-9-18

 

Throwing Around the “D” Word

 

What’s Happening:  “‘Denuclearization’…such a big word for such a ‘little rocket man’…yet that, apparently, is what DPRK leader Kim Jong-un is saying in his offer to meet with South Korean leader Moon and President Trump (who has offered a May meeting). There is much to be gained by all: for the South, peace, and the possibility of re-unification…a long-held dream on the peninsula; for the U.S., a huge political win for Trump, validation for his ‘peace through strength’ posture…and his challenging rhetoric; for the North, an easing of sanctions…and more time for centrifuges to spin? (https://boingboing.net/2018/03/08/noko-denuke.html). ‘He pledged that North Korea will refrain from any further nuclear or missile tests,’ said South Korean spokesman  Chung Eui-yong. ‘President Trump would meet Kim Jong-un by May to achieve denuclearization.’”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Whew! We dodged a big bullet!”

 

Biblical Response:  “Not so fast. There’s always hope for diplomacy to be productive, but this has happened before (I’m thinking of Clinton’s efforts, etc….however, you can only kick the can so far down the road). As ‘Ronnie Ray-gun’ was fond of saying: ‘Trust, but verify.’ Maybe Kim is being an honest broker…still, I’d use this opportunity to remove all U.S. citizens and non-essential personnel (I’m thinking the families of servicemen not the soldiers themselves) from South Korea; either the peace talks will work and they’ll be no longer needed or war is inevitable and why expose more than necessary to harm?”

 

“Christians?  Oh we believe in peace…and we believe you should give peace a chance…but we’re not naive. The heart of man is wicked and not to be trusted (Rom. 3:23). Kim Jong-un may want the best for his people…or his petty ego might get the best of him (or he may not be right in what he thinks is best for his people). In any case, let us proceed with one eye open….and the button within reach.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, while we want peace, we don’t want it at any price. Give our leaders wisdom and discretion; in  Jesus’ Name, amen.” © Alan E.Sargent

 

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe to any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

 

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CLARITY – 2-24-18 The Carrot and the Stick

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 2-24-18

 

The Carrot and the Stick

 

What’s Happening:  “Simultaneous to Ivanka Trump’s visit to the Olympics was President Trump’s announcement (almost as an afterthought at CPAC’s convention) of new U.S. sanctions against North Korea.  Allegedly just there to encourage U.S. Olympic efforts and attend the closing ceremonies, Ivanka, an aide to the President, has been rumored to be there as a softer image than that given by V.P. Mike Pence in the dignitary box at the Opening Ceremony (https://www.yahoo.com/news/ivanka-trump-arrives-south-korea-olympics-080052752.html). ‘North Korea’s participation in the Winter Olympic Games has served as an opportunity for us to engage in active discussions between the two Koreas and this has led to lowering of tensions on the peninsula and an improvement in inter-Korean relations,’ South Korean President Moon was quoted as saying.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “She’s just there to keep the fashion cameras rolling!”

 

Biblical Response:  “Perhaps…she’s certainly got the clothes, looks and celebrity status to pull that off… and she’s a winter sports enthusiast…but the timing of the President’s new sanctions and her attendance is too coincidental for that. And make no mistake, this may well be the DPRK’s last chance for peaceful negotiations. Although past leaders have delayed while centrifuges continued to spin, Trump is likely to realize the can has cul-de-sacced out…that there is NO OUTLET.  Denuclearization is going to happen…one way or the other..”

 

“Christians? Nobody likes to kill (except maybe the psychopath or serial killer). Nobody wants to see some mentally ill person like Cruz of Kim Jong-un die, but sometimes it is better than to see them slaughter innocents. Justice is only one side of a loving God (Matt. 23:23). Is it ever merciful to be just? Ask the parents of those killed in Parkland or those living in Seoul.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, while we want peace in our time, we don’t want to be so selfish as to sacrifice peace for our kids. Help us, Lord; in  Jesus’ Name, amen.”   © Alan E.Sargent

 

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe to any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com/. He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent