How should Christians Respond to the Israel – Hamas Conflict?

“Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it.”

-the 1988 Hamas Charter

 

 “The Day of Judgment will not come about until Moslems fight Jews and kill them. Then, the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, and the rocks and trees will cry out” ‘O Moslem, there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him.’” (a quote from Mohammed)

-the 1988 Hamas Charter

 

 

A peril of prosperity is the illusion that peace and affluence are normal and natural parts of life, rather than a blessed anomaly of history. Not only is our economic situation a relatively new phenomenon, but…our expectations of human rights and dignity are recent and owed to Christianity’s influence on the world. In other words, what shocked the world on October 7 would’ve been an ordinary experience for many humans throughout history. 

– Dr. Timothy Padgett and John Stonestreet of the Colson Center

 

Genesis 6:5 (ESV) 5  The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

 

All sin is sin. But not all sin is equal.

• In the law, a thief paid restitution, but some sins demanded being put to death
• Jesus teaches several times that the Judgement Day will be more bearable for some than for others because of the sins committed
• And he told Pilate:

John 19:11b (NIV84) “…The one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

 

Where does hatred like this come from? Satan

Satan hates God, so he hates what God loves

• Satan hates the Jews, his people

Deuteronomy 7:7–8b (NLT) 7 “The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! 8 Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors.”

• Satan wants to take them from the land

• Satan hates Christians

• Satan hates all people
  • Including the Palestinian people

 

What do we do?

1. Look Up, Don’t Freak Out

 

Luke 21:25–36 (ESV) 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

28 “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

 

Psalm 23 (BCP)

1 The Lord is [our] shepherd;

 

3 He shall refresh my soul and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for his Name’s sake.

• LET him
  • + Click to add your own note
  • + Click to add your own note
  • + Click to add your own note

 

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

 

6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

2. Pray
   • There is spiritual warfare going on behind the scenes

Ephesians 6:10–18 (NLT) 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 

Daniel 10:12–14 (NLT) 12 Then [the angel] said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. 14 Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”

 

Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

 Ephesians 6:18 (MSG) 18  In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

 

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem – and throughout the Middle East

• Ezekiel 18:32 (ESV) 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live.”

Pray for God’s purposes to be firmly carried out

Pray for healing, especially among the Israelites

Pray for believers around the world, and especially in Israel (AND Palestine)

Pray that those who aren’t believers would become believers in Jesus

 

Testimony of former terrorist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rv3EBrnYHg

 

 1 Timothy 2:4 (NIV) [God] wants [everyone] to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.