Those Who Dreamed
Hamas has released the final 20 living hostages previously held in Gaza. The release occurred Monday as one of the first phases of a newly brokered peace deal between Israel and Hamas. Israel simultaneously released approximately 2,000 prisoners of war and has withdrawn its troops to an agreed upon “yellow line,” returning nearly 50% of the Gaza strip to Hamas control. According to the terms of the deal, Hamas is now to return the bodies of 28 deceased hostages, only four of which were released on Monday. A later phase in the deal involves the full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Analysis and eternal perspective: “We were like those who dreamed.” You have heard and considered this beautiful expression from Psalm 126:1 before, but as you and I have prayed fervently for this day for more than two years now, it is worth considering the lyrics of this “song of ascents” in full:
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
- Psalm 126
The return of these 20 hostages is cause for great rejoicing. There is, however, need for continued prayer as each hostage rehabilitates physically, mentally, and spiritually from two years held captive. Pray also for the families awaiting the return of their loved ones’ remains.
Finally, pray for every soul in Israel, Gaza, and the surrounding region. Pray that peace would hold, but also that the rebuilding process would include not just the rebuilding of cities but also people and souls. Pray that those still living under Hamas control would find both earthy and eternal freedom (reports suggest that Hamas’s violent methods of control continue even in the wake of the hostage release).
In the end, pray that the current moment of jubilant rejoicing will result in the restored fortunes of many souls, and that the seeds sown during this very trying time will produce a great harvest!
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.