Peace

It was a devastating week after missiles were deployed into southern Lebanon. Reportedly, more than 550 people were killed. According to Israel, they were targeting weapons and they warned civilians to flee from the buildings beforehand. Whether justified or not, the loss of so many lives should raddle the consciousness of Christians everywhere. Though I am no expert in international politics, even I can identify when the U.S. is being pulled into a larger conflict with Iran. Unfortunately, I believe we have a lot of moral conversations in our future. The ongoing bombing in Gaza over the last year begs the question… at what point does violence bring about peace? I believe Jesus would argue… it doesn’t.

Just after the tragic events on Monday, I heard an Israeli spokesperson explain that their strategy was “de-escalation through escalation.” I was dumbfounded. Friends, I am genuinely asking, what brings about peace? Certainly, it is not escalation. Unless of course, we believe that peace is only possible if we eradicate our enemies. Violence begets violence. The Church has an obligation to advocate for peace, always. God instructs us to “beat swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks” (Isaiah 2:4).

Recently, the Florida-Bahamas Synod-ELCA passed a Resolution to address Christian Zionism in our congregations. The purpose was to understand the ELCA’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, to support the Conference of Bishops and their calls for a cease-fire, and to confront anti-Arab and anti-Muslim sentiments that have been imposed upon our churches and our society since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, and to do so in a way that does not attack or vilify our Jewish siblings throughout the world.

One important precursor to peace is understanding. We must become familiar with the historical context of the modern Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We must understand the provisions of the UN Charter for Israel and familiarize ourselves with the wars of 1967 and 1973. We need to understand the definitions and provisions for settlements. We also need to embrace the fact that there is more to the story. If we believe that the Arab people are mindless savages, then we either lack understanding or we lack love. No one can deny the horrific actions by Hamas on October 7th, but it exists within a context of years of oppression, land-theft, apartheid, and exploitation.

The moral questions are immense. At what point does retaliation become violent aggression? When does the victimized become the perpetrator? What responsibility does the provoker have in the consequential actions that follow? These questions do not have easy answers. My only ask for you today, is that you wrestle. If the Middle East is too much of a “hot topic” among your friends and family… I understand. It may be helpful to think about these questions in a general way. These same moral questions may arise on the schoolyard playground. When does the bullied become the bully?

As for me personally, I will commit to becoming more educated on the subject, so that I can fairly and justly speak out for the peace and well-being of our Palestinian and Israeli siblings. Together, we can create a world filled with more love and unending peace. The love of God begins with one person at a time. When we listen to the depth of our hearts, we awaken a love that transforms and unites all people.

Love wins,

Pastor Lucas

Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse