Happy Sunday, friends! Let’s focus today on peace.

A few days ago, President Trump signed off on what is considered to be the most unlikely peace plan ever enacted. Truly, it was a miraculous feat to bring European, Arab and Israeli nations together with the US for a peace deal that not only brought about the release of all 20 live Israeli hostages, but seems to lay the groundwork for a much larger peace plan in the Middle East. Much remains to be seen in that regard, but even without it, this was a herculean accomplishment.

Sadly, peace has not yet been realized in Gaza. Hamas has refused to release most of the bodies of dead hostages, and they have turned their guns on their own citizens accused (though not convicted) of working with the IDF. They are killing people and taking over aid trucks, just as they did before the peace plan was implemented.

Folks, it only underscores what has been known to Bible students from the beginning of peace talks: those intent on wiping Israel off the face of the earth will never give up their ambition.

Yet still, we strive for peace. Biblically speaking, true peace comes only through the Prince of Peace. Take time to meditate on these thoughts from our friends at One for Israel:

We know that the Bible speaks of far worse to come for Israel in the end times, of broken covenants and peace deals that turn into treachery. We know that the longing to wipe Israel off the map has not subsided one bit. Yet we are also encouraged in the Psalms to “Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

The book of Jeremiah was written at another time in Israel’s history when enemies were all around, and the future was not looking good. The phrase, “peace, peace when there is no peace” crops up more than once, and could just as easily apply to the Middle East today. However in among the many passages about false peace comes the famous verse,

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

It is God who gives real peace. He has promised a future and a hope. However, the peace He offers is not like the world gives:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

Join us in praying for a new season of peace and the extension of the Abraham Accords, which could represent an open door for the gospel in a new and historic way. Please also pray for all the hostages who have come home: for their recovery from the terrible ordeal they have suffered. God has answered our prayers for their release, and we are thrilled. He is the opener of doors and the liberator of the captives. He is the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 61:1-3:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

Indeed, seek peace and pursue it. But look to the Prince of Peace to accomplish the mission!