Israel and Gaza: This isn't just political but spiritual

By Miles G. McPherson, Exclusive Columnist Tuesday, October 24, 2023

This year, on Sept. 26, I joined a group of about 30 Rock Church leaders on a prayer tour to Israel. We visited biblical sites and engaged in typical tourist activities. Then, in the early hours of Oct. 7 at 1:30 a.m., we left our hotel, beginning our 27-hour journey back home.

As we prepared for takeoff in Tel Aviv, people on the plane started to get text messages that Israel was under attack. Some reported seeing smoke in the air from the windows of the airplane. We were shaken up but were allowed to take off on time (30 minutes after the bombing began).

By now, you've probably seen the tragedies of what is happening in the Middle East unfold. You’ve probably seen that Hamas attacked Israeli citizens and took hostages, that Israel has declared war on Gaza, and that hundreds upon hundreds of people have been killed in the horror of it all.

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We cannot turn away from this. The current events in the Middle East carry a global and spiritual significance, and we have to pay attention. It’s vital for us to be aware of what’s happening, seek understanding about the issues, and above all, to pray.

If you scroll on social media or read online forums, you have likely seen the intense political and ideological division that surrounds this war. But I want to remind you — this isn’t just a conversation about politics and the military. This is a spiritual conversation.

Jesus was not a Christian. Jesus was a Jew — a rabbi! And the Jews and Palestinians are, in essence, cousins. Their relationship and conflict are ancient and deeply complicated. Having just been to Israel and the Palestinian territory of Bethlehem, I can tell you firsthand: this is the most confusing and complex place I’ve been in my life.

But in the midst of the chaos and complexity, we serve a God who deeply cares about everyone involved. He cares about people, and He cares about peace. Psalm 26:6 tells us, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those who love you be secure.”

When we pray for peace in Jerusalem, we’re asking God to intervene in the most complicated region on the planet to bring peace. This isn't about picking political sides. Only God has the power to step into chaos and bring true peace. So that's our main role: to pray for peace.

And that is one of the reasons that my team and I went to Israel in the first place! During our trip, we were part of an event called “Pray for Peace for Jerusalem.” It was one of the most eye-opening events I have ever been part of, and it reminded me that we, as Christians, have a responsibility not to pick sides, not to point fingers, but to remember that we serve the Prince of Peace. And He is the only one who has the power to bring true peace in the midst of chaos. So that’s our main role: to pray for peace.

I share this because it’s crucial that we avoid getting entangled in a political divide. When you hear about this war on the news or from friends and they ask which side you're on, remember that division is what the enemy wants.

But peace is what God wants.

As Christians, we're not simply called to be activists; we're called to be prophetic. When you are an activist, you're professing in man's power. Can you be a Christian activist? Sure! But being prophetic means trusting in God's superior power. Our aim as Christians is to be prophetic.

So today, I invite you to pause and pray. If you don’t know where to start, pray Scripture! Psalm 122:6, Psalm 25:22 and Psalm 121:1-8 are good places to start. 

Pray for the Prince of Peace to encounter the entire region.

And if you are looking for encouragement as you pray for Israel, check out my church’s most recent series on prayer.