Despots and autocrats often don’t weigh the impact and fallout from their actions. In February 2022 when Putin invaded Ukraine, he and, quite frankly, many of us thought he would just roll into Kyiv, Panzer style and take over the smaller nation. He didn’t count on the fierce opposition he would get from both Ukrainians and even many ethnic Russians who are Ukrainians by nationality.
He also didn’t consider what the reaction of other countries, such as historically neutral Sweden and Finland. Realizing their own vulnerability, they applied to join NATO.
The last obstacle for Finland ended yesterday and all that is left is document shuffling.
Turkey’s Erdogan, who continues to rule his country as an autocrat, hopefully will bend on Sweden. His response to the devastating earthquakes shows that autocrats are like Pilate, more concerned about maintaining power than the people ruled. As Martin Luther King said, the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice.
Prayer for the Day
In a time of turbulence, we look to you, O God, for strength,
For, faced with an uncertain future, we are anxious and fearful;
Despairing, we long for an imagined past of quiet peace,
But you know, O God, we have never had such times.
Grant us strength and courage to confront the misuse of power,
So we can bring your peace to those who need it.
In the name of the One who challenged injustice,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Injustice in the end produces independence.
- Voltaire, French writer (1694-1778)
Autocratic power requires the degradation of moral authority – not the capture of moral high ground.
- Masha Gessen, Russian-American journalist
How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?
But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful
The Lord hears when I call to the Lord.
There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”
Psalm 4: 2-3, 6-7