Yesterday, we focused on the dilemma forced upon Israel: save hostages or eliminate terrorists. There is a pronounced contrast in the value of life between death-loving Hamas terrorists and life-loving Israelis. So, is peace even possible?

The first assumption regarding peacemaking is that each side will abide by the agreements put forth in a peace agreement. If one side upholds its commitments but the other side continues to inflict pain, then does peace truly exist?

Following the brutal attacks on Israeli kibbutzim and military outposts, Israel declared war on Hamas and commenced pounding away at infrastructure such as rocket launch sites, weapons and ammo depots, terror tunnels, terrorist training centers, command centers, etc, almost all of which were shielded by civilian hospitals, schools, mosques, playgrounds and the like. It is clear Hamas has no regard for the lives of their own people, much less Israelis.

So, pinned in holes like rats and knowing they had out-kicked their coverage, Hamas began begging for a ceasefire. Much of the world pressured Israel to grant it because Hamas attributed high civilian casualties to Israel’s intense fighting. Disregard the fact the IDF provided escape routes to safe places for Gaza’s civilians and warned them to leave areas in which they would attack. Hamas would not allow them to leave, as they served as human shields. In fact, the more civilians Hamas could sacrifice, the greater international pressure would be on Israel. (Sick!)

So, in the interest of getting their hostages back, Israel agreed to free 3 convicted terrorists for every innocent Israeli hostage returned. (Who do you think places a higher value on life?) Thus, the ceasefire ensued until Hamas stopped releasing women and children, as promised, and began firing rockets once again into Israel.

Now, back to our question about the possibility of peace between Israel and Hamas…what do you think? When one side values life above all else, yet the other side wants you dead, is peace truly possible? Can good and evil coexist? Can you make a deal with the devil and trust the outcome?

Indeed, deals with the devil never turn out well. But fortunately, the God of Israel made a deal with His people! He promised never to leave or forsake them. (Hebrews 13:5) He promised never to fall asleep on His promise to watch over them. (Psalm 121:4) And He promised an everlasting covenant in which He would be their God. (Genesis 17:7) Yet, His faithfulness goes even deeper.

Some have pondered the difficult question: “What if it was one of my loved ones held hostage in Gaza? Would I sacrifice that loved one for the sake of a nation?” Yet, God Himself faced that dilemma and sacrificed His only begotten son for the sake of all mankind. We were held captive to sin and God made a way when there was no other way!

He is the God of eternity and can do beyond all we imagine. Could He do it for Israel’s beloved captives? They need miracles…and we have a miracle-working God! Have you talked to Him lately? Have you pled for the lives of those being held? He is the only Deliverer, so let’s join the battle on our knees.

No, peace is not possible between Israel and Hamas. Life and death, light and darkness cannot exist together. But true peace IS possible when we trust the Prince of Peace! Every hostage and every family member needs a relationship with the Prince of Peace! Pray for it!