Daily devotion – Peace?
Each day, as we witness the news from Israel and read the reports, the gravity of this latest attack becomes increasingly apparent. The horror inflicted by Hamas on the Jewish people evokes profound sadness.
In Sydney, a massive pro-Palestinian crowd, shamefully unopposed by the New South Wales government or police, chanted death to all Jewish people. This is a stark condemnation of our nation, especially in the wake of the bloodshed in Israel.
The events in Israel this time are unparalleled in our lifetime. Not since the Holocaust has there been such massive Jewish bloodshed. The involvement of the whole world in the affairs of this tiny nation, reborn in 1948, with approximately 8 million people, signifies a global concern.
The present reality aligns with Bible prophecy, with the potential for the Rapture of the Church, the looming possibility of WW3 amid conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan. The world is on the edge of conflict.
In the midst of the chaos and violence, we must be reminded that the one true God, the God of Israel, and His Son Jesus Christ are in complete control.
The Apostle James reminds us of the fleeting nature of our lives — James 4:14 “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”
As we step back from the world scene, we need to consider our own mortality. Do we have the assurance that we are right before God? Have we received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour?
Amid the turmoil, there is a profound peace available to those who know God — Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Despite the bloodshed, hatred, and violence, we can find unshakeable peace in knowing that we are committed to Christ. In times like these, Paul advises us on how to think — Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Though burdened by global events, let us find reassurance that God is on His throne, and He is coming soon to judge the world and set things right. His kingdom is coming!
Let us pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.