October 9, 2023

War!   Israel is at war.  

Hamas terrorists entered into the streets of southern villages, killing and kidnapping people early the morning of October 7th, Israel time.  Over 5,000 missiles have been fired.   So far, nothing from north but it is suspected that Hezbollah will attack there.  

The timing was not random.  In 1973, Israel fought a coalition of Arab states in the Yom Kippur War beginning on October 6, 1973.   Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, the most sacred of holidays for Jews; the war began on that date.  Thus, the fall, near that same date or around Yom Kippur 50-years later should not have been a surprise.   Iran back Hamas thus the recent freeing of $6 billion by Biden certainly helped to fund this attack.  

Israel's Netanyahu stated that "we are at war" after this attack.   This war will very likely escalate before it ends, drawing in others around the region.  One of my sons asked about the likelihood of China being drawn in.  Possible.  They've had a growing interest in the Middle East.  

Let us remember that the land was given to the Jewish people by God.  He will protect them but that never comes without pain on their part.  We should be praying for the people being attacked and oppressed by Hamas, including Christian believers that are impacted.  We should pray that the leaders behind the attacks would release the kidnapped victims and stop firing missiles.  May they face very real fear of God that would bring them to a standstill.   We pray for peace.  

It was written several years ago that “if the Lord removed the Holy Spirit from this world, much of what we are doing in the church would go right on and nobody would know the difference.”  Meaning to be sarcastic, the writers were alluding to how often the “church” is not doing godly work.   True, effective ministry is done through the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells each of us as believers.   If someone repents, it is the work of the Spirit. If someone is saved, it is the work of the Spirit.  If someone rightly divides the Word, it is the work of the Spirit.  As we more and more grow in godliness, it is a work of the Spirit.  Our being holy, loving, and joyful is not done in our own strength … and if we are to encourage others to be holy, loving and joyful, that must not be done on our own either.   As you minister to others, rely on God to give you wisdom and trust Him to give you strength.  Be the church.