Posted by George Morrison

The language this week which Trump aimed at Kim Jong-un reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 comedy thriller “To Catch a Thief”. The plot is simple, if you want to catch a thief you must copy the thief you want to catch! Match his tactics in order to bring him to justice.
In Donald Trump we have matching rhetoric to Kim Jong-un. There is a fair chance that they understand each other. The US has the bigger nuclear arsenal and Trump relishes the power this gives him. Kim Jong-un relishes the publicity on the world stage he is now being granted.
Kim’s grandfather, who he ties to follow, came to power in the North in 1948 after the Japanese surrender left a divided country. During 1950-53 there was a bruising war in which he tried to unite the peninsula under a communist regime, peace was achieved along the 38th parallel but no peace treaty was ever signed. Technically the war is still on!
The dynasty developed their own state ideology called Juche. It states that the individual is the master of his destiny and that by being a self-reliant and strong nation they can achieve true socialism. It has enabled Kim and his forebears to create a personality cult giving them undisputed power.
Since the death of his father, Kim, although he was third in line, has disposed of the opposition and now at age 33 is the undisputed dictator.
His fascination with nuclear weapons gives him Trump like power over neighbouring states and enables him to control his formidable army.
The fact that the US were allied to South Korea in the war and have had an ongoing presence on land and sea in the South have made Kim a little paranoid towards America. In this climate it is easy to see why he likes his rockets and enjoys teasing the US in a game which, until this week, he seemed to be winning!
We are told that behind the scenes there are diplomatic meetings taking place and a solution other than the military option will be found.

When Jesus was sending out his disciples he knew they would be fearful.
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven (St Matthew Chapter 10 verses 29 to 33).
Even in turbulent times we have nothing to fear on earth but have that reverential respect which leads to obedience to the one with whom we have to do – Jesus.