You and I are called to pursue peace in the face of hatred, to be sources of hope in times of despair, and to hold fast to the belief that God, in His perfect timing, will put an end to all wars, establishing a peace that goes beyond our understanding.
A Ghastly Dawn
The sudden war outbreak in Israel has spread shockwaves globally. In the early hours of Saturday, Hamas’s bold intrusion revealed a horrifying scene of death and despair. Breaching the once sturdy Gaza-Israel barrier, they unleashed terror on the innocent locals of nearby Israeli settlements while the skies filled with a hail of rockets.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s subsequent declaration of war and the ensuing conflicts unveiled a bleak landscape of violence, underscoring a stark contrast from the era of stability that prevailed since 1973. Reading the articles and watching the gruesome scenes of death and destruction reminds me that an ongoing conflict has plagued that region for thousands of years, drawing out righteous anger, frustration, and deep sadness because these are the lives of real people who matter to God.
Clamor and Divine Whisper
I have observed that the noise of war often overshadows the soft whispers of peace, illustrating humanity’s ongoing drift from God’s grace. I see that the actions of Hamas, which they try to justify by their cry for the conditions in Gaza, have only been met by the thundering response of Israeli forces. In these moments of hopelessness, God’s narrative unfolds, found in Romans 8:28, John 16:33, and 1 Peter 5:10, urging us believers to seek solace in His unyielding promises. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18. These events have broken my heart. I’ve found myself consumed by videos showing the grim realities of war—young women being kidnapped, men carried off, and lifeless bodies next to looted cars. This has led me to ponder deeply: ‘How do these unfolding events challenge or reaffirm our understanding of God’s sovereign plan?’
Discerning right from wrong is challenging at the onset of war. While I am aware that, according to Palestine Christian brothers and sisters, Israeli forces’ treatment towards Palestinian civilians can be excessive, Hamas’s unprovoked assault on Israel, backed by state sponsors, leaves no room for moral ambiguity. This act of terrorism, targeting innocent souls, mirrors the wicked actions of the German Reich of yore, whose genocidal atrocity continues to haunt human history. However, as we will see, God’s peace and justice at the Judgment Seat of Christ starkly contrast the harsh reality of human conflict.
Awaiting Judgment
No one wanted to wake up to war in what was already a tinderbox of the world. But war has come, and we should recognize terrorism for what it is, not of God; therefore, it is evil. The ongoing struggle in Israel is not just a regional conflict; it depicts the more significant cosmic battle that rages on between principalities and God . While the world faces political and military chaos, the Bible points us to the Judgment Seat of Christ, where everyone will be accountable for their lifetime actions.
2 Corinthians 5:10 states, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” Every individual, whether a believer or a perpetrator of violence, will have a personal encounter with Christ where every deed, good or bad, is laid bare before the eyes of the Lord. It’s crucial to remember, however, that for believers, the blood of Jesus Christ has covered our sins. While we will be held accountable for our actions, it’s through His grace that we find redemption and eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8 further affirms this: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” In the midst of this worldly chaos, one truth remains steadfast: justice will be served, whether in this life or the next. Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:10-12 serve as solemn reminders that no deed goes unnoticed by God. Jesus Christ reigns supreme, and His righteous justice will prevail over all the deeds of darkness. So, while the world may seem out of control, we find hope and peace because our savior, our Lord, our God, is the ultimate judge and the bringer of everlasting peace.
In the midst of this worldly chaos, one truth remains steadfast: justice will be served, whether in this life or the next.
Engaging Amidst Chaos
I find that amid the chaos, Psalm 46:6-7, 9 echoes a comforting truth: “Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress… He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.” You and I are called to pursue peace in the face of hatred, to be sources of hope in times of despair, and to hold fast to the belief that God, in His perfect timing, will put an end to all wars, establishing a peace that goes beyond our understanding. I write this for both your sake and mine because sometimes, even I need to reflect on this when I see evil rearing its ugly head out of the shadows with such destructive force. Therefore, I must ask myself, ‘In what ways can I, as a believer, embody the peace and righteousness of Christ amidst the chaos of our world?’ Let me ask you a question: how might our response to such crises reflect our hope in God’s ultimate redemption?
Change Hearts, Change the World
The global crises we witness may appear overwhelming, yet we are reminded that a small group of twelve men armed with the Gospel changed the world. Our recent explorations in the ‘Proclaim‘ series highlighted the power of evangelism, while the ‘Pray Big‘ series encouraged us to approach our Heavenly Father with audacious requests. Let us utilize this knowledge and dedication to change the world by changing hearts, one at a time. I would encourage you to share this blog to spread the message, engage in consistent prayer, and engage in meaningful conversations within our community about the ongoing situations and how we, as believers, can embody the peace and righteousness of Christ amidst the chaos of our world. Together, let us illustrate the teachings from our series, praying big and proclaiming the peace that only Christ can give amidst the clamor of war and unrest.
