There is only one hope for Israel and Hamas

OPINION:

About 2,000 years ago, some men in what we think was Iran or Iraq, saw a great sign in the sky — a very unusual star or comet. These men are titled in the scriptures as Magi. That is, men of great learning in astrology, astronomy and the leading knowledge of the day.

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It is apparent that these men of great learning also knew the scriptures because they knew the sign heralded the birth of the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-2). The long-promised Messiah and God-King who would be called “Immanuel” — the translation being, “God with Us” — of Isaiah 7:14.

From their geographic perspective, the “star” was hanging over Israel. So, they completely upended their lives and gathered treasures fit for the birth of a great king and began a long journey through hostile territory. When they found Him, they worshipped and laid at His feet the treasure they had gathered.

A broken world

As I observe the Middle East today, I see a different star has risen over Israel. Like most, I look on in dismay, but not in disbelief.

I recently interviewed a pastor from Gaza and was discussing the horrendous situation for all involved in Gaza and Israel. As we spoke, it became clear that our lives had intersected years ago when Rami Ayaad, a Christian, was murdered for his faith by radical Islamists in Gaza. My organization, International Christian Concern, had taken care of his widow and orphans, while the pastor was the couple’s close friend and pastor.

We spoke at length about the case and my heart was full of joy and hope for this broken world despite the tragic nature of their case.

The martyr’s wife

Rami’s wife, Pauline, had communicated her journey of grief with my organization after we had helped her, and her testimony has always remained with me. When Rami was killed, they had two young children and Pauline was four months pregnant. Rami had always been the main breadwinner for the family, but that responsibility became hers. She had also been moved out of Gaza to the West Bank for safety and was cut off from all her friends. She was responsible for the family’s financial needs but tried to carry it with PTSD and severe emotional trauma.

Her heart was full of rage and hatred towards those that had destroyed her life. And she had cried out to God many times about her plight, but then God touched her in a special way.

Her heart began to quickly heal from what had happened to her. In just a few short months, the healing was nothing short of miraculous. She came to a place of rest and her heart was filled with love, peace and even forgiveness for those who destroyed her life.

Give me such love

The pastor and I continued our conversation, and he reminded me of a story I had heard before. Years ago, there was a meeting of Arab Christians and Jewish Christians. Moishe Rosen, the founder of Jews for Jesus, stood up in the conference and prayed, “Lord, give me such love for my Arab brothers that I would die for them.” Then one of the Arab Christians stood up and said, “Lord, give me such love for my Jewish brothers that I would die for them.”

The only hope

Watching the war between Hamas and Israel, I am reminded that Jesus is the only hope we have for peace in this world. Now, I fully understand that for the agnostic, the atheist, or even the casual follower of Christ, this seems to be a silly and vacuous statement. I judge no one for that viewpoint.

It is only until your heart has been conquered by the one the star heralded until He becomes Immanuel (God with us) in your own heart, that it all becomes clear.

Because then, like Pauline, you find the most elusive of human emotions: peace, forgiveness and humility. It is only then that you give up on vengeance, and having been forgiven all, forgive and even love those that have sinned against you.

And so, I pray for peace in the Middle East as well as for peace in your heart.

I pray that you will see the rise of His star and begin your own journey to find the God-King, Immanuel. The one that lives with and in us. After laying down all your treasures at His feet, you will find “peace on earth,” and treasure beyond measure.

Merry Christmas and I wish you a good journey.

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Jeff King is the President of International Christian Concern (persecution.org)