In the Midst of War

Stories from the middle east are chilling. Israelites killed in their own homes in brutal ways. Babies and grandmothers and all in between beheaded, gutted, shot in the face multiple times. Homes and buildings destroyed. Children snatched from parents as hostages. All by Hamas, a terrorist group in Gaza. A missile aimed at Israel misfired and destroyed a hospital in Gaza killing many and infuriating Palestinians who blamed it on Israel. News media did not recant their original statement accusing Israel even after firm evidence pointed to Gaza. Evil is rampant. Even in our beautiful free country evil is shouting and hurling hate at Israel who neither wanted nor started this war.

Thousands are banding together in prayer and sending aid. But thousands are also saying “Kill the Jews!” Too many have turned a blind eye and are not even paying attention. It’s far too similar to times leading up to World War II when the news was deliberately filtered and Americans simply didn’t believe what they did hear of the criminal atrocities. Families of millions of Jews, sympathizers, and others deemed by the Nazis to be unfit to live–all these knew the concentration camps and gas chambers were all too real.

The pictures of War in Israel are gruesome. But one happy picture has flashed on the screen several times, a picture of a wedding amongst Israeli soldiers. The bride and groom, both soldiers, are dancing in an opening formed by surrounding comrades. The comrades are whooping and hollering in jubilant celebration. It’s just a quick swirl of a video in which I hear words like “Love is stronger than evil” and “Evil cannot kill love.”

Charles and I were in Israel in 1996. I remember clearly the earnestness of our Palestinian Christian guide when he said, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” I have not always remembered to pray for Jerusalem but now, after October 7, am so graphically reminded. We know complete peace in the mideast and the world will not happen until Jesus comes. But there can be peace in the hearts of those who honor Him. There can be peace in the midst the war.

We must stand fast and pray for Israel, for the peace of Jerusalem, and for their enemies to be quelled. We must pull for Israel to defend herself against this unspeakable evil as God teaches that His people should do. And through it all I’ll remember the words shouted at that wedding party: “Love is stronger than evil.”

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Psalm 122:6