Take a close look at the picture above. These are only a few of the hundreds of Israeli children killed in the barbaric attacks by Hamas. Memories in our minds tend to fade with time, but we simply must not forget what Hamas did. Failure to keep reality in view, results in us moving on with our lives as though nothing happened.

That is exactly what the terrorists want. They desire that the memories of the brutal attacks of October 7 fade into nothingness, because they want to repeat their evil atrocities over and over again. Allowing evil to fade puts us at risk of being blind-sided by it again. Heads up Europe and America: the savage beasts will unleash their fury on us as well. (There is a reason Iran calls Israel the “Little Satan” and America the “Big Satan.” What do you think their end goal is!?!)

We must remember that Hamas did not act indiscriminately. They had a purpose (destroy as many Jews as possible) and a very well-coordinated plan. It is unimaginable, but documents, such as the The Warrior’s Guide – Jihad Version, found on dead terrorists, actually instructed those ruthlessly sadistic animals to “target children and young people.” Documents contained maps and information for kindergartens and schools, and provided instructions how to brutally torture, abduct and kill children. It was their plan all along.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the booklet also clearly instructed the terrorists to livestream executions, using the victims’ very own cell phones, then post videos to their social media pages for all their family and friends to see. It’s beyond despicable.

Jewish homes were bloodstained. Even those experienced in dealing with such ghastly situations were literally sickened by what they saw. Kibbutzim, which are often paradise-like in their simple beauty and peacefulness, were left littered with dead bodies, burned out homes, and children’s bloodstained toys and bedrooms.

Yet, only days after 1,400+ Israeli babies, children, young people, women, men and elderly were savagely attacked, raped, burned alive, brutally tortured, shot, beheaded and impaled, the world began to complain about “proportionality” and the “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza. To be sure, there are innocent people in Gaza and I pray for the innocent’s safety. However, Israel has gone far above and beyond to protect civilians. They have warned by leaflets, thousands of phone calls, and media efforts to encourage innocent people to flee south. Yet, many either choose to stay in a war zone, or are made to stay by Hamas who loves to use them as human shields.

In fact, Hamas kills more of their own people than they do Israelis! They could not care less for the citizens of Gaza. For decades they have used humanitarian aid to build terror tunnels and rockets rather than hospitals and schools. They hide and they launch from schools, hospitals and mosques, knowing Israel will not destroy those sites as long as civilians are there.

So through the lens of reality, let’s consider God’s Word as it applies to this situation. Romans 13, which is often incorrectly used to suggest citizens should obey their governments, no matter what, actually says this:

13 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. ⁴ For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

~Romans 13:1-4

There is more to unpack than we will get to today, but consider these truths:

• All authority is from God. God will never act, nor command anyone to act, contrary to His character. Thus, authorities whose actions are evil are not given by God! God obligates NO ONE to abide under the authority of evil! Palestinian people are not obligated to Hamas and their evil.
• Those who resist God’s authority will bring judgment on themselves. Hamas is asking for judgment!
• Rulers do not use terror for good, but for evil. Hamas had never intended good, only evil. (Their very charter demands that they kill the Jews!)
• To those who do evil, be afraid of the sword of those to whom evil is done! Israel not only has the right, but the OBLIGATION to “use the sword” to defend herself and her people!

We must understand God’s Word when it comes to authority (or anything else!) God intends for Israeli authorities to defend “with the sword” – meaning death, if necessary, to those who perpetrate evil! It is not America’s fight. It is not the allies’ fight. It is Israel’s fight, and they must not be handcuffed by the American administration or anyone else!

Israel is not a perfect country by any stretch of the imagination. But they are the country God called to a unique purpose, and they are the nation God explicitly says He will defend. According to God’s promise, they will never cease being a nation, so let’s allow the God of Israel free reign to do His good pleasure in Israel and with Israel!

Our job is to pray!