Another Visit from the Prince of Peace Needed Here

As Israel and Hamas enter a period of truce for a few days in Gaza, the loved-ones of the more than 240 hostages being held by the terror group and their allies will be holding their breath. A glimmer of hope breaks over the battlefield like the sun used to rise over the smoking ruins of past European wars to reveal the devastation that war inevitably brings. After the dreadful horrors of October 7th and the incessant pounding of the enclave of Gaza that followed, these few days of peace must seem like a foreign country. Thousands have buried their much loved relatives on both sides, but it may be generations before their hatred and resentment is buried, unless someone or something intervenes.

And that intervention is preciseley why Jesus came. In one of the many ancient prophecies concerning his coming he was called 'the Prince of Peace'. Here is the verse from Isaiah chapter 9:6, 

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

So, how can we pray about this terrible conflict in the Middle East? Firstly the Bible urges us to 'pray for the peace of Jerusalem' in Psalm 122:6. This must mean to pray for the leaders involved in making decisions about this war, but also to really pray for the followers of Christ who live on both sides of the conflict - Messianic Jews and Palestinian Christians. Then, as we approach Christmas, pray that the Lord will break through the desire for revenge, and the fog of hatred and violence, to bring about some kind of reconciliation, however distant that may seem at the moment.

Those of us who read our Bibles expecting that Jesus Christ will return soon to a world tearing itself apart with wars and rumours of wars, and being shaken by earthquakes and pandemics, are also praying that many millions more will hear the good news, the gospel, about Jesus and by believing be added to his family before he comes. In the words of the last book of the Bible, 'Amen. Come Lord Jesus!'