Never underestimate a heart of hatred.
Every day in the news there are acts of unspeakable brutality around our world.
On October 7, 2023, Israel witnessed again just how deep the work of the Evil One can unfold in a human heart. A few days later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his nation detailing atrocities that had occurred during the terrorist incursion into Israel last weekend.
It wasn’t just killing. It was how people died. He said,
“We saw boys and girls bound, who were shot in the head. Men and women burned alive. Young women who were raped and slaughtered. Soldiers who were beheaded.”
Our own President Biden said the terrorist organization Hamas has truly “bloody hands.” Their stated purpose for being is to kill Jews. In the President’s words,
“This was an act of sheer evil. More than 1,000 civilians slaughtered — not just killed, slaughtered — in Israel. Among them, at least 14 American citizens killed…. Entire families slain… Stomach-turning reports — babies being killed.”
If Hamas has their way, it’s about to get worse. According to American Military News, Khalid Mashal, a leader and founding member of Hamas, has reportedly called for a global Jihad on Friday, October 13th asking Muslims around the world to target the people of Israel.
In the video post by Mashal on YouTube, he called this day to be “the Friday of Al-Aqsa flood,” — sending a message of rage to Zionists and to America.
The call is for Muslim martyrs to step up. Not with money — as has been requested before. But for blood. Khalid Mashal wants Muslims who live in the countries surrounding Israel — Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt— to inflict pain on the Jews.
Wherever they can.
There are still over 100 hostages being held in Gaza. Several of them Americans. Many tour groups remain in Israel with their dream trips to the Holy Land now in peril.
For people of the Christian faith, we are not powerless.
Encouraging the Christians of his day, the Apostle Paul wrote,
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (Rom. 16:20, ESV)
The great warrior for prayer, E.M. Bounds noted that men and women are to pray in every place, in the church, in the closet, in the home, on sacred days and on secular days. All things and everything are dependent on the measure of men’s praying.
All things and everything.
Yes, the defeat of evil.
Let’s take up that task in full measure for the peace of Jerusalem today and into the weeks and months ahead!
PRAYER: Please watch this short video featuring Pastor Myles Holmes,
exhorting Christians to pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-9).
Please share it with family and friends and on your social media platforms.
