Mid-East Turmoil?
It is a mess in the middle east. There is an enmeshed conflict at just about all levels. Socio-economic, religious, personal and historic bitterness at mistreatments and past issues– and of course just flat out bigotry. We in the West are more and more aware that we are not getting the entire picture from the media (no conspiracy theory fodder meant at all– just the nature of the beast).
I am headed to Israel for a brief trip– of course to visit the amazing sites– to see the places where God spoke to Moses, Abraham, David, Paul and Jesus. It will be a stunning time.
We will also have extended times where we will dialogue with both Israelis, Arabic and Christian Palestinians. I want to look into their eyes and here the story straight. What are they feeling about their lot, their hopes for resolution and peace. What are they feeling toward the others in the conflict? Is there a plan that would seem to bring hope for reconcilation in our lifetimes? What would forgiveness for them look like?
As I was preparing, I came across a section from the prophet Ezekiel. I wonder if in it there is fodder for hope for each party. The prophet is looking ahead to the restoration of Spiritual Israel. He gives its boundaries, north, south, east and west. He is describing a ‘perfected, holy Israel’– an Israel that finally is free and safe, and reflects ‘shalom’. If you are looking forward to the restoration of a spiritual Israel– this is what it would look like. Listen to the prophet’s concern for the others in the land.
Ezekiel 47: 21 “You are to distribute this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. 22 You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the aliens who have settled among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 23 In whatever tribe the alien settles, there you are to give him his inheritance,” declares the Sovereign LORD.
Fascinating isn’t it? Getting from where we are today to anything close to that seems impossible doesn’t it? But not to God. He is the great God who can bring restitution for all that was robbed from all mankind. In fact, He promises that He will do just that. His Spirit can heal fresh and age old wounds, individually and corporately. He can provide a safe place finally for all sides involved. Last but not least, He can give each ‘side’ the ability to see the other as ‘image-bearers’ of God Himself, and thus worthy of honor, respect and hospitality.
May it be so in our lifetimes– for the sake of all involved.