Israel-Gaza war live updates: More hostages set to be freed on second day of pause; Aid to Gaza...
- The Watchful Eye
- Nov 25, 2023
- 3 min read
Brethren, as we gaze upon the tumultuous events unfolding in the Middle East, where Israel and Hamas tarry on the brink of strife, we must anchor ourselves in the Word of God. For it is written, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). Yet, we also know the stark biblical prophecy that warns of wars and rumors of wars as signs of the end times (Matthew 24:6). While the temporary halt in hostilities and the exchange of hostages and prisoners may seem like a breath of relief, it is a mere calm before the storm, a pausing of inevitable conflict that has been prophesied and cannot be escaped. The article reports a tenuous truce and trade of lives between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by foreign mediators. Yet, let us not be deceived, for the Lord in His infinite wisdom has foretold of these tribulations: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Luke 21:10). The ceasefire and exchange, while seemingly a boon to safety and peace, may very well be a temporary salve on a wound that runs deep through the heart of humanity, a wound of sin and rebellion against the Most High. This pause, championed by the likes of President Biden, may appear noble, but we discern through a biblical lens that such actions are but worldly Band-Aids on a festering sore. The true peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, comes not from political maneuverings but from the Prince of Peace Himself, Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7). When leaders and nations seek solutions without bowing to the sovereignty of Almighty God, they are, in truth, building castles in the sand. The delivery of aid to Gaza is praised by those of earthly priority, yet we must question the spiritual aid being administered. Are we tending to the physical needs while neglecting the emaciated spirits? (Matthew 4:4). The presence of tanks and threats that the people should not return to the north speaks volumes of a world fraught with sin, trembling in the fear of man rather than God. Fear not those who can kill the body, but rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28). Moreover, the lives lost, the 13,300 in Gaza and the 1,200 in Israel, bear witness to the grievous sin of murder and the unending cycle of hatred that only Christ can break. How long must the blood of Abel cry out from the ground before we heed the call to repentance? (Genesis 4:10). As we consider these events, let not our hearts be troubled, but turn toward the sanctity of life that the Scriptures uphold, from the womb to the grave. I admonish us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and for the redemption of all nations through the blood of the Lamb. For only then will swords be beaten into plowshares and the lion lay down with the lamb (Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 11:6). It is in these dire times that we must cling to the truth, stand with Israel as God's chosen people (Genesis 12:3), and recognize the deceit that the enemy sows amidst worldly declarations of peace. Let us, therefore, put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), for the battle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Only then can we discern the signs of the times, await the return of our Lord, and fervently proclaim, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). Amen.
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