James 4:1-2
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.”
This week marks the 150th anniversary of a memorable (if not humorous) incident that occurred here in the State of Washington. The “Pig War” is the name commonly given to the 13-year standoff between the American Army and British Royal Navy on San Juan Island that began in the summer of 1859 after an American settler shot a British pig on the island that both nations claimed.
The “war” is celebrated because it was ultimately resolved by negotiation and compromise instead of by guns and force, and there were no casualties except the pig. The confrontation and its resolution are also significant in Washington history because the award of the San Juans (San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, Shaw, and many smaller islands) to the United States instead of Great Britain led to the creation of Washington’s San Juan County and finalized the borders of the state that exist today.
Thirteen years of uncertainty and an uneasy peace kept the Islanders on their toes and the military men of both nations in a state of readiness. All for the appetite of a greedy hog that had a taste or spuds!
Perhaps there have been more insignificant reasons than this for nation to go to war with another nation. The real cause is the result of our original sin. When Adam sinned, the result is still felt today.
In Matthew 24, Jesus prophesied that one of the signs of His return would be an increase in wars and rumors of wars. All it takes is a quick scan of any newspaper to see that hundreds of groups are at war with each other right now. Only Jesus can bring lasting peace. Praise the Lord for His sweet peace!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
- – - Pastor Cecil