Middle East conflict live updates: Israel plans to direct Rafah civilians to ‘humanitarian’ zones
- The Watchful Eye
- Mar 14, 2024
- 2 min read
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, as we look upon the turbulent and strife-filled news coming out of Israel and Gaza, our hearts are heavy with the weight of brokenness ravaging that sacred land. Now, we're being told that Israel’s military is set to shepherd a "significant" portion of Rafah’s population to so-called "humanitarian islands" in central Gaza before a ground offensive (Exodus 23:9). Yet, how can one ignore the shadow of deep sorrow and loss cast over any military conflict? President Biden, whom many of us regard with wary eyes for his stance on issues contrary to the Word of God, has drawn a “red line” over the Israeli invasion in the southern city, while paradoxically avowing, “I’m never going to leave Israel.” (Joel 3:2). This sort of duality muddles the waters – and are we not called to let our 'yes' be 'yes' and our 'no,' 'no'? (Matthew 5:37). We see reports – alarming, yet all too familiar – of airstrikes that obliterate life. The destruction of a food aid distribution center in southern Gaza not only ends precious lives but also attacks the very sustenance of the innocent (Proverbs 6:17). And the death toll, cited to be in the tens of thousands, brings to mind the mourning of Rachel who wept for her children (Jeremiah 31:15). The Lebanese Foreign Minister's actions show us the international outcry against Israel, and we are reminded that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse it will be cursed (Genesis 12:3). The world too readily condemns Israel's defense against the malevolence of Hamas, but where is that same condemnation when terror strikes from Hamas's hand? Amidst this, the U.S. military is constructing a temporary port and pier on Gaza’s Mediterranean coast for humanitarian aid during these dire times. While the intention may seem noble, one must ask where the resolve to bring true peace – that surpasses all understanding – is found (Philippians 4:7). Simply providing physical relief, without addressing the sin at the core, is as futile as attempting to heal a wound without cleansing it first (Jeremiah 6:14). And U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-linked militants? Another tit-for-tat in the seemingly endless cycle of violence that does little to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). It's time to take up our spiritual armor, for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age (Ephesians 6:12). We hold fast to the truth that Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He alone can transform hearts and nations. May we pray fervently for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), and for the softening of hearts around the world, that leaders and peoples alike would turn to the Lord for redemption. Let us beseech God for his divine intervention and for the return of His son, our Savior, to establish everlasting peace. Amen.
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