Deeply tragic are the events that transpired in Israel about a week ago. If you are unaware of what I am referencing, a terrorist group known as Hamas invaded parts of israel and began murdering hundreds of individuals as well as taking women, children and elderly as hostages. I am not a direct witness, nor do I really have any ties directly to Israel but when I heard this had happened my heart was immediately burdened for the people and families involved. I’m not an expert on history, war, or international relations so I can’t offer any explanation of the years of disarray and conflict in this region like others might be able to. However, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit I believe we have a direct line to God’s desire for the outcome of this situation: As well as the response we are to have as individuals a part of His big C, Church.
I’m not saying that God is calling us all to do the exact same thing, some might be moved to more action than others. However, there are some responses I believe we should all experience or lean into if we are followers of Christ. But, no matter the circumstances we need to move closer to our creator.
When an event like what is going on in Israel happens, we should be moved to sorrow, empathy, and compassion. God loves his creation, he loves us, so even the loss of the most detestable person's life is the life lost of an image bearer of God. This should trouble us to a certain degree. Then this Sorrow, empathy, and compassion we’re experiencing should move us to cry out to the Lord in prayer. Praying for him to mend the broken, bring peace in the fighting, establish joy where there is only sorrow and that in everything he would intervene. For man alone is not able to stop evil, but only God is.
Then after prayers of petition should come prayers of thanksgiving. Yesterday the staff had gathered for a time of prayer and after praying for Israel we began to discuss the tragedy of some of the events that took place. In this, Kyle said something that was simple but profound to me. “We should be grateful that this land, in our lifetime, has never known war.” He’s right; things like the events in Israel are not a normal occurrence in our country nor have they been, and I pray they never will be. But in that statement, I realized the gratefulness, and the thanksgiving I need to be giving to the Lord everyday for the safety that he has provided for me, my loved ones, and everyone in our community. I take that for granted and I definitely shouldn’t. I recognized my need to move closer to my creator.
Every event, every happening, every difficulty, every blessing we should be moved to interact with God more in one way or another. Sometimes it's in sorrow that we have to cry out to him. Sometimes it’s in pure joy that we need to praise him. No matter the circumstances God’s desire is that we would be brought closer to him. Then respond, by choosing to move in a direction that is closer to God. Where do you need to move to be closer to your creator?
Bryant Hart