Grieving and Hope

Update: Reports of a cease-fire have since been confirmed since this blog was published. 

The bodies of two Israelis held hostage by Hamas were discovered in tunnels beneath Gaza this week. The remains were identified as a father and son, Yosef Al-Ziyadnah and Hamza Al-Ziyadnah, both of whom were kidnapped alive by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Meanwhile, reports yet again suggest that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire and a release of the remaining hostages may be nearing an agreement. This has been the case on numerous previous occasions, so there is understandable skepticism about whether a final deal will be both agreed to and honored by all sides.

Analysis and eternal perspective: The October 7, 2023 attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel unleashed a wave of suffering, particularly for those who were taken hostage and their families. More than 150 hostages have been recovered (40 of whom are deceased) and nearly 100 remain in captivity (more than 30 of whom are presumed deceased). It is easy for this to become an exercise of numbers, but each number is attached to a name and a precious soul created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). This reality should remain ever-present in our hearts and minds, and should compel us to both pray for the hostages and their families as well as speak out for their release.

As for the ceasefire negotiations, Jesus followers are called to pursue peace (Ps. 34:14) and defend the oppressed (Is. 1:17). In the current conflict—which has been waging in some form for thousands of years—we should remain mindful that a true and lasting peace will only be fully achieved in eternity. In the meantime, our mandate is to be ambassadors of peace and advocates for the persecuted.

The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.