(Draft written October 10, 2023)
If you woke up listening to the news on Saturday, October 7, 2023, the “breaking news” you most likely paused in disbelief. Israel was being attacked by rockets being launched from the Gaza Strip. Once you gathered yourself and determined that you were indeed awake, the unthinkable became evident.
You were familiar with bright lights in the sky and even loud noises on occasion. If you spent any summers in America, you were all too familiar with the wonder and entertainment felt as rockets were launched on the 4th of July. But these October rockets were not crafted for entertainment, but for destruction—the annihilation of a nation and its people.
I can only imagine hearing the early morning sirens signaling a revisit to my hiding place before I could begin my normal routine. Were the shelves stocked? Would Sabbath services be delayed? But these sirens were about to reshape normality and redefine routine. These sirens signaled the shattering of human fragments that could not be mended. These sirens foretold torture and horrific cell phone videos of gruesome death. They were ushering in the beginning of a war of nightmares demanding to be real.
I can only imagine the confusion, shock, panic, and eventual resignation gripping hearts as “flesh and blood” killing machines swarmed down on drones into the peaceful slumber of Jewish communities along the border. How could the victims wrap their finite minds around the possibility that imminent danger would soon stand boldly on their doorsteps, claiming new territory? With live grenades and weapons in hand, this enemy’s only joy would lie in eradicating the safety of one kibbutz after another.
I can only imagine the unbridled thrill of what started out as a fun trip to grandma’s house being turned on its head. I can only Imagine the raucous laugher that flooded the dinner table as challah bread was broken and enjoyed just the night before. Can only imagine the graphically morbid story of assault that left grandma, mother and child broken beyond repair as the perpetrators toasted to their accomplishments and boasted about their exploits on social media. No shame. No remorse. No mercy.
I can only imagine the glee and anticipated freedom of going to a music concert after a stressful work week. Can only imagine my dancing turning to mourning as streets turned crimson from bullet-pierced bodies. Only imagine witnessing blood flowing like streams and seeping into concrete cracks. This life-sustaining blood could no longer preserve the lives of friends, family and those whose name I did not know, but with whom I would be eternally connected. Which of these young people, from this melting pot of different nationalities could have imagined such a travesty? Which of the survivors–who came simply to honor God–will ever be free from repeated images of unmitigated murder?
I can only imagine the depth of a father’s anguish as he publicly proclaims gratitude for receiving confirmation that his captured daughter is dead. His one comfort was found in believing that death was his child’s protection from the suffering he could only imagine would be inflicted if she remained a hostage of Hamas. But God had a different plan for the outcome–her release. A miracle, indeed!
I can only imagine being engulfed by the cancer of hate that leads men to mutilate babies, young children, and the elderly. I can only imagine trying to explain to little—and not so small–children, that they are not responsible for the decisions made by absolute strangers who despise their existence. I can only attempt to rationalize the smoldering hatred of men who snuffed out the amazingly bright futures of now motionless infants.
And when I have become exhausted from my futile attempts to imagine such brazen disregard for lives and succumb to the temptation to sink into permanent depression and hopelessness, only one defense brings peace. When my fragile sanity is threatened, I will continue to be grateful for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob– my God, and your God–if you choose HIM. I will be grateful for His promises in His Word. I will be grateful that my imagination can rest when it is overtaxed because He doesn’t sleep.
The Bible repeatedly confirms God’s love for Israel and its people. His covenant with them is eternal. He is not an advocate of terrorism, antisemitism or any other extremism. Ultimately, He will reveal his power against all those who attempt to mock Him in Israel and across the globe. God will preserve Israel as He has through every past adversity, war, dispute and skirmish.
And I AM THANKFUL that His intention is to preserve Israel against all odds and enemies. I am grateful that His plans are not at all dependent on my–or anyone else’s– ability to imagine, understand or applaud his relationship with Israel . Adonai, our God will be heard. His purpose will triumph….
Deuteronomy 7:6-9 – “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”
I am thankful I don’t have to become embroiled in political and territorial disputes and debates involving Israel. These issues are significant. But God is always working and will determine the outcome of every nation. (Psalms 46:10) “I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
I can stand on God’s solid ground of faith because He is Israel’s solid ground. He promised in Genesis 12:2 that Abraham would be “made a great nation” and become a blessing. Then God described the relationship other lands were to have with Israel in the third verse:
“I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” (Complete Jewish Bible)
God’s desire to bless others who uplift Israel is also seen His instruction given in Psalms 122:6.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be at peace.
May there be peace (shalom) within your walls and security within your citadels (NIV).”
Am Yisrael chai. May the people of Israel live.
May God guide every aspect of this war. May He have mercy on all of Israel and this world. May He preserve lives. May He send peace that only He can maintain. May leaders hear and obey His directives. May we pray as if lives outside of Israel depend on it. They do!
Blessings!
Geraldine Morris Pinkston All rights reserved.