Unfortunately, at the time of writing these words, the nation of Israel is facing major strikes from the terrorist group Hamas, supported by other enemies of their nation. The strikes came at the same time as Israel’s 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war. The attack included the killing of hundreds of people, mostly civilians. Dozens were kidnapped by the enemy, including elders and children. The response from the Israeli government began with a declaration of a state of war and the call of thousands of reservists to empower the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), to develop what seems to be a long campaign against Hamas.
The aviation industry was also affected as several airlines canceled dozens of flights to and from Israel, leaving hundreds of passengers from different countries, many of them pilgrims, trapped with no hope of leaving, except through humanitarian and state flights. The following days after the strike, social and mainstream media were flooded with images and testimonies of the brutal attack, and the strong military response from the IDF. Then, voices around the world spoke in either support or criticism of the Israeli government, some affirming the right of Israel to defend itself from a cruel enemy, others advocating for a two-state solution, and others vowing to avenge enemy “martyrs” of this confrontation.
One may question how far the accomplishment of the Lord’s promises for His people extends. No peace seems to be possible in the Holy Land due to the deep hate that enemies express against the existence of Israel. However, this conflict is one of the many disputes that have occurred in this world. Wars and conflicts have been part of the human experience since the fall of Eden. The Lord even warned his disciples that wars and rumors of war would be heard before His coming and the end of the age (Mathew 24:6). Until when will the pain, grief, sickness, death, and sorrow stay on this earth?
Regarding the reality of wars and the lust that causes most of them (James 1:1) in this fallen world, how can we experience relief from the mental and emotional fatigue caused by the bad news we watch in the media? In what should we trust when no apparent hope is found in the present days? Who is in control when we as humans have fallen asleep due to our hate and lust?
A promise in Isaiah 35:8 (NKJV) may give us some light:
“A highway shall be there, and a road,
And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean shall not pass over it,
But it shall be for others.
Whoever walks the road, although a fool,
Shall not go astray.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that no one comes to the Father but through Him (John 3:33). Although it is clear for us Christians to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), we also should pray that Jews, non-Christian Palestinians, and even terrorists, may find the same holy highway that we have found in Jesus, where we have been cleansed by His precious blood. Even we, sometimes being fools and tired of struggling against our sinful nature, have not gone astray from His love. Does God not want to accomplish such a promise among the nation of Israel? Is there anything too difficult for Him?
It is just after realizing that no human solution appears to be possible that the people of God must cry and pray earnestly, looking for the Lord’s face and His mercy. Interestingly, it is through praying and reminding the Lord about His promises, such as those found in Isaiah 35, that the Holy Spirit blesses us with the kind of peace that this world may not offer. Joy and gladness will someday come instead of the sorrow and grief of this present age.
“No lion shall be there,
Nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it;
It shall not be found there.
But the redeemed shall walk there,
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
And come to Zion with singing,
With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
(Isaiah 35:9-10) NKJV
