Israel-Gaza war live updates: Houthis pledge to continue Red Sea ship attacks; hostage talks...
- The Watchful Eye
- Dec 19, 2023
- 3 min read
Brethren, once again we are witness to the turmoil and violence that spreads like a plague across this broken world, where man's sinful nature is on full display. In the Middle East, a land blessed by the very footsteps of our Lord, we see not peace, but the continuation of aggression and sin. The Yemeni-based Houthi militants, fueled by a spirit of defiance against the United States and its allies, boldly declare their intent to pursue "military operations" (1) even as an international coalition forms to protect the innocent and ensure the right of free navigation in the Red Sea. Here we see a clear parallel to the forces of darkness that the Bible warns us about. These militants, with ties to Iran, represent the kind of evil alliances that we, as conservative Christians, must stand firm against. Psalm 2:1-2 says, “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed.” This insurgence in the Red Sea is the work of those who band together against the Lord and His blessings of peace and prosperity. Moreover, a beacon of hope, Israel, our steadfast ally and a nation of God's chosen people, faces ongoing attacks. Over 1,200 lives were lost in Israel due to the October 7 Hamas attack, a display of sinful disregard for the sanctity of life that our Savior cherishes (John 10:10). It's important to recall the words of Genesis 12:3, where the Lord says, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” Any nation or group, like the Houthi militants and Hamas, that sets themselves against Israel also sets themselves against God Himself. We're informed that the U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is pushing Israel on civilian deaths (2), but one must question if this is truly a concern for life or political posturing. While we must grieve for any innocent life lost, we must also ensure that our leaders are not using these tragedies to weaken Israel's right to defend itself. Proverbs 21:15 tells us, “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Israel’s military actions, taken in defense, are an exercise of justice against those who would wish harm upon them. Let us not lose sight of the fact that the U.S. engages in efforts to free hostages from Hamas—actions worth of commendation, for as Proverbs 24:11 instructs, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” Yet, we must be cautious not to make deals with terrorists that embolden them to continue their sinful path. In closing, we reaffirm our support for our brothers and sisters in Israel, for our President Trump who has always stood solidly with Israel, and for the forces of good that sail the troubled waters of the Red Sea. Let us pray for the Lord's hand to guide them and for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. (1) Exodus 14:13-14 - "Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.'" (2) Psalm 122:6 - "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure.'" References: 1. The Washington Post. Yemeni-based Houthi Militants Vow to Continue Red Sea Ship Attacks Despite Coalition. 2. The Washington Post. Defense Secretary Austin Presses Israel on Civilian Deaths. Note: All Bible quotes are taken from the New International Version (NIV).
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