May 22, 2024

ICC Seeks Arrests, Diddy Says Sorry, Inflation Comparison

May 22, 2024


May 22, 2024

“Don't just adopt opinions, develop convictions.“

John Piper

ICC Seeks Arrests

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking arrest warrants for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and others over war crimes and crimes against humanity related to attacks on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. This marks the first time the ICC has targeted the leader of a close US ally. The move has drawn criticism for equating a terror organization with an elected government. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has evidence supporting the warrants, but Israel has rejected the ICC's jurisdiction. If warrants are issued, signatories to the ICC's founding treaty would be obliged to cooperate, potentially complicating international travel for those named.

As I have observed before, by pointing you back to a poignant clip from the classic 70's TV sitcom M*A*S*H, which uses satire and humor to expose the absurdity and tragedy around, in that case, the Korean War, 

The ICC prosecutor’s stated intent to apply for arrest warrants for the "brass" involved in this war is unfortunate in that it fails to differentiate between the leadership of Hamas and Israel. While both are undoubtedly imperfect, despite what you may hear on American college campuses, there is no moral equivocation between the two. Biden himself has called the attack of 10/7/23 "pure unadulterated evil" and pledged to supply unwavering support for Israel in their response. To his credit, Biden continued that support of Israel in light of the prosecutor's statement when he said, "Let me be clear: whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence-none-between Israel and Hamas." Good for President Biden (James 5:12).

While it is impossible to be able to speak authoritatively about every action taken by Israeli leadership in this conflict, there is widespread confirmation that Israeli leadership has done all it can to minimize the suffering of "innocents" and to provide supplies to the war-torn region. There is a reason that "just war theory" requires discrimination. Israel is, in this case, to be commended for their efforts to do all it can to minimize the loss of innocents in their rightful prosecution of Hamas (Romans 13:4).

While we live in various levels of comfort in our world, let us never forget that millions of people around the world live under constant deprivation, constant persecution, constant hunger, constant suffering (1 John 3:17-18, Galatians 2:10). War always brings suffering, but war is sometimes unavoidable (Ecclesiastes 3:8). Waging just war is not a war crime; it is sometimes temporal evidence of God's eternal justice (Romans 13:3-4). There will likely be many more who will die in the days ahead. We must remain sober-minded and prayerfully aware of the multitudes who will continue to suffer and die as a result of this current trouble. Come quickly, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:3-7; Psalm 30:5).

By: Todd Wagner

Diddy Says Sorry

Sean "Diddy" Combs issued an apology on Instagram regarding the 2016 assault of his ex-girlfriend Cassie, but it has been met with skepticism from domestic violence groups and the public. In the apology, Combs admitted to his actions, attributed them to a difficult period in his life, and claimed to be seeking therapy and rehabilitation. However, critics argue that the apology lacked sincerity and accountability, with some suggesting it was more about protecting his public image. The release of a video showing the assault has reignited discussions about abuse by powerful individuals and the challenges faced by Black women in seeking justice for such incidents.

Diddy was right about one thing: his actions, and actions like them, are inexcusable. The tragically graphic video of physical abuse perpetrated by Diddy adds a darkly convicting chapter to the developing story around his life and choices. 

Today, we want to speak to primarily four things the remnant can consider and apply today:  

  1. Godly men serve, love, cherish, praise, empower, and lay down their lives for women (Colossians 3:19, Proverbs 31:28, 1 Peter 3:7, Ephesians 5:25). Only weak, wicked men exercise authority through violence (Proverbs 3:31-32, Proverbs 22:24-25, Matthew 20:25-28).   

  2. Forgiveness is available to those who seek it (1 John 1:9). While Diddy states he’s not asking for forgiveness in his video, it is readily available to him in Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). Should that alleviate him of deserved consequences on earth? By no means (Galatians 6:7, Proverbs 13:21). Should that fact immediately earn trust and restore relationships? Absolutely not. But Diddy can find himself standing spotless before the throne of grace if he humbles himself while he still has the chance (Isaiah 1:18). 

  3. His victims (and all victims of abuse) have redemption, healing, and renewal waiting for them at the cross. May they turn there as they cope with the very real consequences of the harm(s) done to them (Jeremiah 30:17, Psalm 34:18, Ephesians 1:7, Revelation 21:4). 

  4. We all desperately need the grace and mercy Diddy claims to have sought (or be seeking) from God (Isaiah 53:6). 

We fear this is just the beginning of trouble for Diddy after finding himself embroiled in lawsuits, new accusations, incriminating footage, and government raids (Numbers 32:23). May he not only seek forgiveness that eases his conscience or lengthens his runway of freedom or public opinion but true repentance by way of God’s abounding kindness (Romans 2:4). May this be the beginning of a much-needed reckoning for people and places that have too-long found “shelter” from accountability in money, fame, or influence (Luke 8:17).

By: Kirby Mankin

Inflation Comparisons

Adjusted for inflation, an analysis reveals that under President Trump, household net worth climbed steadily, peaking at around a 30% increase by the end of his term. In contrast, during President Biden's tenure, net worth fluctuated, dipping notably to around -5% at the 24-month mark before achieving just a 0.7% increase through Biden's first three years. This economic volatility under Biden's administration, coupled with significant price hikes in fast food, underscores the challenges many families face today. The contrast in household net worth growth under the two administrations highlights Biden's struggle with inflation, directly impacting everyday expenses and overall financial health for American households.

God is our primary sustainer (Psalm 55:22), yet this does not exempt us from responsibly assessing the economic policies of leaders like Trump and Biden. Recognizing that their decisions have significant consequences, especially for the poor, is crucial (Proverbs 29:2). It's critical to acknowledge that our pursuit of justice, economic prosperity, and fiscal responsibility is pivotal, as they can disproportionately alleviate or add to the burdens of the destitute (Proverbs 22:16). Throughout the Bible, there is continued importance placed on wise stewardship of resources (Luke 16:10), including our obligations to the poor (Proverbs 14:31).

However, we must also remember that neither Trump nor Biden is a savior (Psalm 146:3-5). Neither is the U.S. economy (Proverbs 11:28). Ultimately, as we seek to participate wisely in elections, our trust should be in God, who is in control of all things, including the economy, and who calls us to seek justice and mercy for the impoverished and marginalized regardless of our own household worth (Micah 6:8).

By: Jamie Wilder

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