Galatians 4:29 At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now.

And here we have a clear, concise, theological explanation for the mess in the Middle East. Arabs, until they become children of Abraham by faith, (Romans 9) are going to hate the Jews and try to wipe them out. It is only in Christ that the “dividing wall” (Ephesians 2:14) is destroyed. “Daddy always loved you more” is a pretty powerful motivator! However, Arabs are just as eligible as anyone else to repent and believe, and thus become “children of the promise,” as Paul says here. The recent developments in the Middle East are encouraging indeed, but they certainly aren’t the end of the story. We aren’t to put down what has happened, but we must remember that Christ is the only “final answer” to all of that mess. As it looks right now, Hamas is all too likely to blow it and be fully wiped out militarily, but we can pray for mercy. Secular media isn’t going to pick up on this underlying reality, so we don’t need to pay too much attention to them. Rather, we are to pray that God’s name would be acknowledged as holy and His rule and reign be established as His will is done, for His glory.

This is something I’ve realized for much of my life, but I’ve also been aware that the majority of the world doesn’t realize it. I’m not to feel superior, but rather be a faithful steward of the understanding I’ve been given, and act accordingly. I frankly haven’t been very faithful in praying specifically for Israel, as much as I’m “on their side,” so to speak. I’m to pray for the Lord’s return, certainly, but also for His will to be done in the meantime, resulting in a massive harvest of souls of every nation and people-group. The Japanese have next to no understanding of what is going on spiritually, in the Middle East or elsewhere, so I’m to pray for their eyes to be opened and God’s truth set them free to repent and believe, for their salvation and the glory of God.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the seeming peace that has “broken out,” and for those involved in bringing it about. I pray for Your mercy, that this movement will be continued and the road be made level for the Gospel to go forth. There are many other areas, such as Nigeria and India and China and the list could go on and on, where Your children are being persecuted and martyred. I do indeed pray for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done throughout this earth, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!