The issue is the Gaza strip - the country of Israel and the Hamas terrorist group. It started with Hamas breaking an existing cease-fire agreement by firing rockets at Israel cities. Israel used their military forces to respond and defend themselves. (Note: The picture to the right is Hamas firing rockets at Israel.)This is a problem that goes back to the time of Abraham. If you are not familiar with the story from the book of Genesis, God promised Abraham that he would make him the father of great nation with his wife Sarah. Abraham did not beleive and had a child (Ishmael) with his maid Hagar. Ishmael became the father of Arab nation. Abraham would have a son (Isaac) with Sarah. Isaac's son Jacob would have 12 sons who became the 12 tribes of Israel.
Since that time, there has not been peace between Israel and the Arab nations. They have fought through the ages over power, land and other issues.
For many people (unless you or family is from the middle east) it has just been pictures in news. Now we see the unrest first hand in own streets. Recent protests in Fort Lauderdale and Miami have shown the anger the groups have had. (Note: The picture below is a pro-Palestinian supporter in downtown FTL on January 8th.)
At the end of the day, people need to recognize that Israel is a sovereign nation. They have the right to exist and defend themselves. The Palestinians may have a right to a nation as well, but they should not be granted a state through the use of terrorism through groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Nor should it be at the expense of Israel.
The end to this will only come through faith in God. This is what the Bible says will bring true peace to man - not through diplomacy or military.
Jesus told the religious leaders that "Truly, I say to you, everyone who commits a sin is a slave to sin . . . . if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:34-36)
The bottom line is that this is a sin problem - not political, social, military or economic. Just like the religious leaders during the time of Jesus, people are trying to resolve issue through human means - and man is flawed because of sin.
My co-worker who asked the question is a casual Catholic (by name primarily). In some ways she is no different because she also needs to realize that true peace only come through faith in God.
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2 comments:
Hi David, you do a great job capturing the essence of the Gaza situation from a real-world and a biblical point of view. Pro-Hamas supporters and the liberal media are complaining about Israel using disproportionate power in retaliation to the rocket fires from Hamas. This conflict is very unfortunate. Innocent civilians are being killed or injured from both sides in the cross-fire.
However, Israel must do what it takes to defend its citizens, even with disproportionate measures, but in a responsible manner. That is the only way to overwhelm the enemy and restore order in that region.
I spoke with a co-worker in CA who is of Persian descent. He is Muslim in faith but agreed that the terrorism is wrong and Israel has a right to be a nation.
The media would have believe that Israel is the villian (just like we are in Iraq!).
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