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Hello St. John’s Family,
Many were waking up as news updates filtered in. A Saturday morning pierced by disturbing news: Israel was facing violent attacks, with significant casualties. In a region where trust is non-existent and the potential for violence is always high, all seemed to be caught off-guard. What was happening?
It would take days for all to see the full spectrum of the ruthless terror inflicted upon unsuspecting and defenseless civilians. Babies and children killed in their beds; attendees of a music festival gunned down at point-blank range, with others taken hostage. Hamas, the militant political organization currently controlling Gaza, had initiated waves of violence toward Israel that was shocking for an area that is difficult to shock.
We watch; grieved and disturbed. Rockets continue to fly, triggering heavy responses. Operations to rescue and recover, moving from kibbutz to kibbutz, conclude as the crosshairs move squarely on Gaza. All while so many brace for the violence, pain, grief, and death that will inevitably come. Helplessness is the only feeling that somewhat describes the seemingly intractable situation. In the middle of all the mess, all the hopelessness, we wonder – what can we do? How should we respond in a way that honors Christ?
Those are questions I’ve wrestled with and prayed over this week. They are questions that do not have quick or easy answers. Thus, we need to recognize how the moment is too painful and raw to deeply analyze, much less propose wide-scale solutions – both at the international level, and in our personal conversations. Our first steps must be to grieve and pray. We also know personal safety is essential for all innocent people; Jewish, Palestinian – all people. That means responses to secure safety must be measured to protect innocent lives, especially the most vulnerable. We as people of faith must firmly proclaim that responding to war crimes by perpetuating war crimes is not an acceptable response. It is not the way of Christ and will never lead to security or peace.
In this heavy moment we are again reminded of the wisdom Christ, shared as he was being arrested: Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will die by the sword (Matthew 26:52). Our prayer is that swords, machine guns, missiles, and bombs can be laid down in Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, Sudan, Venezuela, the South China Sea, and all over the world, and the agony and pain of senseless death may give way to dialogue and peace.
This Sunday, our sermon series Plans for My People: God’s Faithfulness in Uncertain Times will continue as we explore the uncertainty and loss of hope that emerged as a vulnerable family dealt with unanticipated deaths. In the darkest of moments, the love and commitment of Ruth to Naomi revealed how God longs to redeem hopeless situations. Our message will focus on Ruth 1:11-18 while exploring Naomi and Ruth’s story (Ruth is a quick read, only 4 chapters – check it out!). I hope you’ll join me in worship on Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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