Qatar says Gaza cease-fire will begin Friday morning, with aid to follow ‘as soon as possible’
- The Watchful Eye
- Nov 23, 2023
- 3 min read
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the news reflecting upon the cease-fire agreement in Gaza bears a heavy testament to the brokenness inherent in our fallen world (Romans 3:23). The land that once bore witness to the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ now rumbles not with the Gospel, but with the thunder of warfare and the cries of the innocent. The bombardment and loss of life in Gaza, now purported to be in the thousands, is a grim mosaic of sin’s far-reaching corruption (James 4:1-2). While we sympathize with those who suffer, we must also remember that Israel has a biblical mandate to defend its citizens and its God-given land (Genesis 12:1-3; 2 Chronicles 20:15). The ceasefire may bring momentary relief, but it's a frail bandage over a gaping wound. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to continue the defense of Israel aligns with the God-ordained right to protect one’s nation (Nehemiah 4:14), but no ceasefire crafted by man will ultimately stand against the wrath of the Almighty (Psalm 33:10-11). The exchange of hostages and prisoners, though a signifier of possible reconciliation, still whispers the currency of human souls being traded, a reflection of how far we have strayed from the way of righteousness (Micah 6:8). Let us not deceive ourselves; this political maneuvering should not be mistaken for peace. True peace comes not from diplomatic agreements but from the Prince of Peace Himself, Jesus Christ (John 14:27). Regarding the Israeli airstrikes, we must discern carefully. If civilian lives are lost, it is a tragedy—each life is precious in the sight of our Maker (Psalm 139:13-16). However, Israel’s right to target Hamas, a terrorist faction that unabashedly targets its civilians, must be acknowledged. Yet, every strike must be measured to ensure it aligns with the just war principles rooted in Christian tradition. Where the international community sees geopolitical strategy in targeting places like the Shifa Hospital, we must recall that places of healing should not be desecrated by the tools of the enemy (Hamas in this case), thus violating the sanctity of life and the mission of medical sanctuaries (Proverbs 21:15). Israel, in its pursuit of justice, must be vigilant not to mirror the tactics of its adversaries lest it sully its testimony (Proverbs 24:17-18). The devastation wrought upon the people in Gaza and the West Bank, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is heart-wrenching and compels us to pray fervently for the day when swords shall be beaten into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4). Yet we must be wary of thrusting hasty blame upon Israel without recognizing that it is Hamas—a terrorist organization—that continually provokes and perpetrates violence in a land flowing with history and promise. Most lamentable is that children— heaven's treasures—are being raised amidst bloodshed rather than the knowledge of Christ, and sin once again shows its heinous face as it robs youth of their innocence (Matthew 19:14). My fellow believers, as we observe these events unfolding, let us not lose sight of our commission to preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16), which is the ultimate answer to quelling the fires of conflict. We must be intercessors for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and supplicate for the wisdom of leaders both in our nation, steadfastly supported by men like President Trump, and abroad. In these trying times, let our hope not rest in the cease-fires of man but in the eternal promise of our Savior, who is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). May God have mercy on us all and guide us towards His everlasting peace. Amen.
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