All Out War
Israel and Iran are at war. The two countries have long been enemies and there has for some time now been sustained hostilities, proxy skirmishes, and recently direct engagement between them. This week marked a significant escalation, however, with Israel embarking on a multi-day and ongoing campaign to cripple Iran’s nuclear weapons capability. The result has been the destruction of multiple sites related to Iran’s nuclear enrichment and development, as well as the death of multiple Iranian military leadership.
Iran responded by firing hundreds of missiles into Israel, killing more than 20 people and injuring at least 500.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised the military action would continue until Iran’s nuclear program was no longer a threat to Israel’s existence.
Analysis and eternal perspective: Pray persistently for peace (Ps. 34:14). Defend the oppressed from their oppressor (Is. 1:17). Seek the freedom of the captives and the restored fortunes of Zion (Ps. 126).
Friends, we have been intentional about these applications for some time now. We have been viewing modern day hostilities against Israel through a biblical lens that acknowledges both God’s everlasting love for people on all sides of the raging conflict and the reality that a hatred of God’s chosen people—the Jewish people—has been on full display since Old Testament times.
This week’s developments make it difficult to persist. You may be discouraged and you may be fearful. Those are understandable emotions, but do not grow weary because God is still on the throne (Ps. 47:8; Heb. 1:8)! You know the end of the story, and you serve the one true God who is coming for his covenant people—which, thanks to the finished work of Jesus on the cross, includes an open invitation to you and me!
So this week, recommit to the following even in the face of trying circumstances:
Pray for peace. Pray for a peace that will sustain and one in which the oppressor will be diminished.
Finally, pray that those still held captive will be returned with songs of joy (Ps. 126:6).
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.