BEING HUMAN

On this Sunday, as we commemorate the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, Ukraine has once again become a target for the enemy’s ruthless attacks. Russian missiles and kamikaze drones, like malicious shadows obscuring the light of the Lord’s presence, have struck critical infrastructure in the western regions of our country. It seems that the Russian forces of darkness know no fatigue in their quest to sow destruction, pain, and despair in the lives of our people…

Yet even in the darkest hours, when fear and uncertainty envelop our hearts, we see rays of light and hope. Today, amidst the chaos of war, our family and church celebrate special moments of joy and God’s faithfulness. My daughter Tetiana is celebrating her 30th birthday — a milestone reminding us of God’s unwavering love and blessings in her life. In our church, “The Rock,” a solemn event took place — the ordination of the veteran Nazar Illiuk to pastoral ministry, who will serve alongside our pastor, Oleh Bloshchuk. It testifies that even amid the most severe trials, the Church of Christ in Ukraine continues to grow, strengthen, and bring the light of the Gospel to this world.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on a young donkey, He knew that the path of suffering, betrayal, and crucifixion awaited Him. But He also knew that this was not the end of the Story. A glorious Resurrection and the ultimate victory over sin, death, and hell would follow death.

His humble entrance into the city was a precursor to His triumphant return as the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will enter Heavenly Jerusalem and complete His salvific mission here on this Silent Planet.

One should not judge the Lord’s might and greatness by His modest entry into Jerusalem on a young donkey. For behind this humble image lies the boundless power and authority of the King of kings and Lord of lords. The One who entered the Holy City in meekness and obedience is also the One who created the universe with a single word and holds it in His mighty hand.

Christ did not need pompous processions or loud fanfare to testify to His greatness. So, let us not allow the humble circumstances of His earthly life to obscure His true essence and significance for us. His greatest strength was revealed in this humility — the strength of sacrificial love, capable of overcoming death.

Even now, when evil and injustice seem to triumph, we can rely on the One Who has already won the decisive victory on Golgotha. His victory is love over hatred, life over death, light over darkness, good over evil, and just peace over aggression.

Although the fullness of this victory is not yet manifested in all its beauty on Earth, in Ukraine, we know that it will inevitably come at God’s appointed time. Even when we face pain, suffering, or injustice, we can find hope and comfort because Christ has already walked this path to the end — to the very end — and triumphed. His victory is the guarantee of our ultimate victory in Him.

Today’s events in Ukraine also remind us that our life’s journey with Christ is challenging and carefree. We must endure various trials, the pain of loss, suffering, and tears.

But even in the darkest moments, we must remember that the Resurrection always follows the cross. Death does not have the final word in God’s plan. Christ, who in humility and love gave Himself on the cross for our sins, is also the Risen Christ, the Conqueror, who has all authority in heaven and on Earth. And He promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age—in our sufferings, death, and Resurrection.

So today, empathizing with those whose hearts and lives are wounded by another demonic morning attack of the Russians, we unite in prayer for Ukraine, for our defenders on the front lines, for all volunteers, for those who have lost loved ones, for those who are forced to leave their homes.

Amid this pain and despair, we also offer thanks to God for His unchanging love, the gifts of family, the faithfulness of friends, and the service of our soldiers. Even in the darkest times, He gives us signs of His presence and care.

The apostle Paul’s words resound with new strength today: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom. 8:35, 37). This love of God manifested to us in Christ is our stronghold and hope. It is more potent than all fears, all Russian hatred, and the evil of this world.

So, on this holy day of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem, let us lift our hearts to Him in prayer for Ukraine, our people, and our loved ones… Let us lift our hearts to the Lord as they are — with all their weaknesses, fears, doubts, and pain. Let us not try to hide our wounds from Him or embellish our shortcomings. For He knows us better than we know ourselves and loves us no matter what.

May the Lord heal our emotional wounds, dispel our fears, strengthen our faith, and fill our hearts with His light. Only in His hands does our life acquire true meaning, wholeness, and beauty. And even if this process of transformation is not easy, we can trust in His unchanging love and faithfulness.

My prayer today to the Throne of Grace: “Lord Jesus Christ! On this day of Your entry into Jerusalem, we remember Your path of suffering and, at the same time, Your glorification. We pray for Ukraine and our people, who today are also walking the way of the cross of war and pain. Grant us a just peace, protect us from enemies visible and invisible, comfort the hearts of those who have lost loved ones, and avenge the criminals of Russia who sow death and suffering in Your name. Strengthen our faith and hope, and fill our hearts with Your love. Teach us to follow You on the path of love for our neighbor and those who suffer. May Your victory on the cross become our victory in You. Amen.”
—
Taras Dyatlik, Ukraine
24 March 2024
760 days of the full-scale Russian war against Ukraine