(By Gary Patterson)
"KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) - Hamas on Thursday released the bodies of four Israeli hostages, said to include a mother and her two children who have long been feared dead and had come to embody the nation’s agony following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.
The militants displayed four black coffins on a stage surrounded by banners as Red Cross vehicles arrived at the scene in the Gaza Strip. The fighters then carried the coffins over to Red Cross vehicles, where staffers in red vests covered them in white sheets before placing them inside. The convoy headed back to Israel, where authorities will identify the remains.
The remains were said to be of Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir, as well as Oded Lifshitz, who was 83 when he was abducted. Kfir was the youngest captive taken that day. Hamas has said all four were killed along with their guards in Israeli airstrikes." (wsaz.com/)
"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
After reading about the release of these four Israeli bodies, I will boldly ask, where would the brutal acts of Hamas fall in the prophetic judgment of God, in this verse of Scripture in Revelation?
As Christians, it is unimaginable to see and to hear of such works of evil. And yet, here it is, a reality in our world. Without a doubt our hearts are filled with anger and sadness over these unspeakable acts of death, and destruction. But the question comes, "What can we as Christians do in helping in the resolution of this terrible conflict in the middle East?
Psalm 122:6 instructs believers to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem," meaning praying for peace for all people living in the region, not just taking sides.
According to the Bible, a response to the Middle East crisis should prioritize prayer for peace, actively working towards reconciliation and justice between all parties involved, and advocating for a non-violent approach based on love and compassion, recognizing the land's complex history while focusing on the message of Jesus as the "Prince of Peace" and calling for people to turn to God for true healing and resolution.
As the Church, we are to represent the Lord Jesus, in this Middle East conflict. We are to be His voice, as we speak His truth, and His gospel, for salvation and eternal life. We are to show the love of our Savior, and Shepherd, as we pray for all involved in this conflict. As we employ acts of humanitarian aid, and support for those who are victims of this vicious war.
As our Lord Jesus is near to this conflict, so should we, in any way we can, to make a difference on His behalf. "If you have done it to the least of these" is a phrase Jesus used in Matthew 25:40. By serving those in need, we are essentially serving Jesus Himself. So many are hurting, because of this extreme evil that has, and continues, to ravage the Middle East.
Where are we in the pursuit of peace, not only in the Middle East, but wherever we are? GP
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