Antisemitism in Boulder
Eight people are injured after being attacked by a man throwing Molotov cocktails in Boulder, Colorado. Those injured were participating in a demonstration of solidarity for the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, and officials say the attacker yelled, “Free Palestine” during the rampage. Investigators say the perpetrator is an Egyptian citizen who has expressed a desire to “kill all Zionist people.” The Boulder attack comes just days after the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, DC.
Analysis and eternal perspective: It is an increasingly common—and evil—occurrence in our world. As war wages between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, violent acts rooted in antisemitism continue escalating all around the world. In this case, the antisemitism appears to have also been aimed at silencing those speaking out in support of the Israeli hostages being held by Hamas.
You are almost certainly shocked and appalled by these attacks. There is also a strong tendency to become discouraged, frustrated, and complacent about the inability to prevent this kind of violence. Those feelings are understandable in the current moment, but you, as a Jesus follower, are called to be faithfully consistent in carrying the mantle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into these horrible circumstances.
As you grapple with this story today, read Isaiah 61 to be reminded anew of your role in God’s plan to rescue those who are suffering. Here is just a small sampling of what God has empowered you to do:
“Proclaim good news to the poor” (v1).
“Bind up the brokenhearted” (v.1).
“Proclaim freedom for the captives” (v. 1).
“Release from darkness for the prisoners” (v.1).
“Comfort all who mourn” (v. 2).
“Provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (v. 3).
Our world is still full of evil. But God is coming to set all things right. And you are His vessel of care, comfort, and truth in the meantime!
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.