First Steps of Freedom

The first phase of a tenuous ceasefire is underway in Israel and Gaza, and Hamas has released three Israeli hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. The multi-phase deal, which is to play out over the course of the next few months, is designed to accomplish the release of all remaining hostages and secure a permanent end to the war between Israel and Hamas. Both parties, as well as world observers, acknowledge the fragile and tenuous nature of the agreement.

Analysis and eternal perspective: “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed” (Ps. 126:1). The release of three hostages, and the anticipation of additional releases, is cause for rejoicing. It has been more than 15 months since Hamas invaded Israel and took more than 250 hostages. Nearly 100 hostages—including more than 30 believed to be deceased—remain in captivity.

As we have discussed many times as The Equipped community, we are to seek peace (Ps. 34:14) while also acknowledging the critical role justice—and a defense of the oppressed—plays in accomplishing a lasting peace (Is. 1:17).

The Jewish people have faced hatred and attempts to eradicate them since the Old Testament. It would be foolhardy to expect the current ceasefire to truly be permanent. Even so, we can rejoice with all those made in God’s image to whom it grants a temporary reprieve, and we should continue to raise our voice for those who remain in captivity.

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