You’ve likely seen bumper stickers encouraging “random acts of kindness.”  Nice thought, and one we could all heed!

However, random acts of violence seemed to be the theme of the week in Israel this past week.  Tragically, very early Thursday morning, arsonists set fire to the Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha (on the shores of the Sea of Galilee).  Marking the site of Jesus’s miraculous feeding of the 5,000 with 2 fish and 5 loaves, it is a popular spot for tourists visiting the Galilee area.

The words, “The false gods will be eliminated” were found scribbled on the walls in Hebrew.  Sadly, it is believed that liberal Jewish Yeshiva students opposed to different religions are suspected of igniting the fire.

Then, on Friday, two Jewish Israelis were attacked while on their way to a hiking spot.  One man was shot dead and the second moderately wounded.  The two were traveling on a dirt road through the West Bank enroute to a hiking spot when a young Palestinian man waved them down to ask for directions to a nearby spring.  Once stopped, however, the Palestinian man shot both Jewish men at close range.  Israeli leaders are calling on Arab leaders to condemn this act of terrorism.  Meanwhile, the shooter is still at-large.

This morning (Sunday), I awoke to the news that an Israeli Border Police was stabbed multiple times by an 18-year-old Palestinian just outside Damascus Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem.  While the police officer is battling for his life, Hamas has praised the attack as “heroic.”  Though critically wounded, the Border Police officer shot and wounded the terrorist, which drew praise from Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat: “I want to commend the action of a Border Policeman, who while wounded kept his cool and neutralized the terrorist, and thus saved lives and prevented further injuries.”

Ironically, the Palestinians are scheduled to submit their first charges of war crimes against Israel to the International Criminal Court this coming week.

It is just so difficult to understand the things that go on in the Middle East.  It is also difficult to understand why the world continues to cater to terrorist ambitions and actions.  However, as believers, we must keep in mind that the Bible tells us clearly that in the last days, nations and people groups will all turn against Israel.  Should we, then, be surprised by what we see and hear?  Friends, we are living in the last days and we must be ready for what lies ahead.  Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for Israel’s enemies to come to know the Prince of Peace.

Blessings!