Following the initial withdraw of troops from Gaza, Israel declared a 7-hour ceasefire today (Monday) in Gaza in order to allow humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinian people in need.  During the 7-hour ceasefire, Hamas fired off at least 31 rockets into Israel.  That followed the 119 rockets fired into Israel on Sunday.

A Hamas spokesperson stated that the ceasefire was simply “to divert attention from Israel’s acts of slaughter.”  He further warned, “If the enemy continues this criminal policy, all Zionist cities will be targeted. No life is more precious than the lives of our dear people.”  (Using “dear people” as human shields is a strange way to reveal how “precious” they are.)

Meanwhile, over 10,000 people attended the funeral of a Messianic Jewish soldier today.  The IDF Rabbi closed the funeral with this prayer:

“To First Sergeant Shai, family and friends who have gathered here to honor you, I ask you for forgiveness. We called upon you to serve our country and you have given your life for us. May you go in peace and may you have eternal rest. May you now stand before the Judge all of flesh and have Shalom. And may there be Shalom on Israel, now and forever.”

Indeed, First Sergeant Shai stood before the Judge of all flesh, and he experienced (and continues to experience) Shalom!  Shai Kushnir knew Jesus as Messiah while here on earth, and now he stands in the presence of Yeshua HaMeshiach (Jesus the Messiah) in heaven!  War is an ugly thing, and it took the life of a young Israeli soldier.  As 10,000 people gathered to pay respects, let’s pray that many of them saw glimpses of the Messiah.

As you pray today, pray for the supernatural peace of God to engulf this soldier’s family.  Pray also, for the families of the other 60+ Israeli soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in defending their country.  Finally, pray for the hundreds of Palestinian families who have lost loved ones in this conflict as well.  May they, too, see Jesus the Messiah.  Our prayers are vital, so let’s pray!