in the middle
i've been astonished as i've watched the news this week. is the really happening? there is that within us that wants to pick a side. but, i know there are believers on each side of this conflict. one of my closest friends just returned from a mission trip to Lebanon three days before Israel retaliated. she visited fledgling churches in Hezbollah and Shiite parts of Beirut. in Israel i have several friends, one who lives between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. she wrote me yesterday that as she sipped coffee on her back porch yesterday morning, to her horrer she watched missiles shower down on Tel Aviv. it must be noted that its very difficult to really know what is going on minute by minute from the media. everybody has a side. the Western press is not reporting all that Hezbollah is doing to Israel. for example, in the initial reports about the "two kidnapped" the press continues to neglect to include that a couple dozen Israeli soldiers were killed when those "two" were taken. in the states especially utmost attention is made to simplify issues down to a "somebody is the underdog or victim" viewpoint. the predominant portrayal of Israel is "big bully." i'm not saying this that to justify Israel's actions, just to point out that in these days where discernment is needed most we have to remember things aren't always what they seem or as cut and dry as we'd like them to be. clearly, the right or wrong use of words or even an omission of a fact quickly conveys a viewpint, philosophy or prejudice. such is the power of the press.
so now, the talking head banter has begun. they are trying to predict... "is this it? is this WWIII?" as all this unfolds i feel less and less needful of knowing where to stand, but for whom to stand. it seems of outmost importance to look Kingdom-ward. yes, Esau and Jacob are fighting again. this time with really big weapons which could have world impact. the truth is they both need to (and some day will) bow to Jesus. in this regard, from the reports my friend brought back from her trip many are doing just that.... turning to Jesus.
the reports from all over the mid-east are indicating that not just tens or hundreds, but hundreds of thousands are becoming "followers of Jesus". those who've labored in those fields for decades say just in the last two or three years the tide has turned. my friend visited gatherings being held in houses that were like gatherings in the new testament when Paul was preaching. so, while our eyes have been focused on the increased religious fervency in islam, especially among militants, there is also a growing disillusionment. even further, Jesus himself is appearing to people in dreams and visions - interrupting lives by revealing Himself to countless. people are experiencing His lordship as they see friends and family members be healed and raised from the dead.
Lebanon is the last Islamic country to allow christianity to be "practiced" legally. it is fast becoming the front door to the mid-east for the gospel. so, it is very interesting that this conflict is happening now. the prophetic voices here are saying this is a critical hour for Israel and to pray. it seems "critical" to pray for Lebenon too. this very minute as this conflict escalates people from all over that region are having to return to their countries. among those refugees are new believers. could this be another diaspora of sorts?
where do we stand? this is not about flesh and blood. we can stand for mercy. we can stand for safety for the travellers/refugees. we can stand and pray for new believers who are having to trust in their Jesus in a new way. we can stand for the advancement of the gospel. we live in amazing days.
posted by kt @ 7/18/2006 06:49:00 PM
2 Comments:
I also am disturbed and sad at the news. Thanks for speaking it. Probably like a lot of people i find it such a cunundrum that the Prince of Peace won't override the foolish mistakes of weak, fallen man. But that is my idealism not my intellect talking(i know better). My heart just aches over the brokenness and death that seems continuous as we watch with our collective hands tied behind our backs. Oh Lord comfort the suffering and brokenhearted and let your peace enter the hearts of foolish broken man. Poor Nazareth
thankfully, my friend finally heard from some of her new friends in Beirut. most people are safe. the seminary where she was staying just ten days ago is now staging refugee relief to hundreds. the reports from emails my friend received indicate that the church is being the church.....caring for the helpless, hurt and homeless.
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