A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life

A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life
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I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe, –that unless I believed, I should not understand.-- St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)

Sunday, October 08, 2023

As a Follower of Jesus Christ, I Stand with Israelis and Palestinians


I stand with

Mothers-- Israeli and Palestinian-- who are mourning the loss of their children.

Children-- Israeli and Palestinian-- who are newly orphaned.

Fathers-- Israeli and Palestinian-- who no longer have a family.

Grandparents-- Israeli and Palestinian-- whose grandchildren are missing.

Nieces and Nephews-- Israeli and Palestinian-- who aunts and uncles are buried under rubble.

Aunts and Uncles-- Israeli and Palestinian-- whose nieces and nephews had their lives cut short.

Clergy-- Israeli and Palestinian-- who minister in the midst of a living Hell.

Rescue Workers-- Israeli and Palestinian-- who won't be asking the nationality of those in distress.

Israelis who have Palestinian friends.

Palestinians who have Israeli friends.

I stand with those who bear the brunt of the violence and death. I stand with them because that is where Jesus is standing at this moment.

I will NOT stand with those persons-- Israeli and Palestinian-- who wage the war that makes orphans, widows, widowers, motherless women, and fatherless men. I will NOT do so. But I will pray for those who wage war-- Israelis and Palestinians-- that they will lay down their weapons and seek an enduring peace for the sake of everyone-- Israeli and Palestinian.

"Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways."-- Proverbs 3:31.

3 comments:

Pamela Monteith said...

Amen and amen.

Julie Longacre said...

This is the kind of post I would expect my Mennonite friends to write. You capture the sacred God-likeness of every person touched by violence and war. I appreciate your heart, Allan!

Allan R. Bevere said...

Julie,

Thank you for your kind comments. I have told folks for years that I'm a high church Mennonte.