Set free: Hostage Israelis, Hostage American values

What a transformative two days have just taken place! Israel and Hamas are now in the initial phase of a hostage release and cease-fire deal. The United States is in the initial phase of a new presidential administration, one which aims to restore America to her Judeo-Christian foundation. Nations around the world will be impacted.

Like most Israelis, we rejoice that hostages are finally being set free. Early Sunday evening, much of the country tearfully watched, in real time, as three newly-released hostages fell into the arms of their families, sobbing and hugging their loved ones as if they would never let go. At the same time, like most Israelis, we lament the upcoming release of thousands of convicted terrorists, still sworn to jihad, in this bad but necessary deal. Because many prayed relentlessly into the matter, we trust our political leaders made a right decision under very hard, complex circumstances. But the fact Hamas is celebrating over the deal, and already regrouping its “troops” for continued combat, speaks volumes.

Perhaps not by mere happenstance, my (Sandra’s) regular Bible reading on Sunday included psalm: “When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’”

Clearly, the release from captivity described in Psalm 126 does not describe the prisoner exchange deal which Israeli leaders felt compelled to accept. Nevertheless, we set our hope on God according to the rest of Psalm 126: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore [us fully from] our captivity, O Lord … Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

The hostage story is not over. Multitudes have prayed for the captives — and for all Israel as a nation. We believe the exchange brokered by US Presidents Biden and Trump could have been the best possible outcome under current circumstances. Surveys show it was desired by most Israelis, though It may or may not have been God’s desired will at this time.

We also believe this bittersweet deal might be part of a broader deal, a bigger picture, shared perhaps at present only between Messrs. Trump and Netanyahu. Perhaps such bigger picture is about Iran.

Interestingly, talks are reportedly underway for PM Netanyahu to meet with President Trump in Washington as early as next month. Let’s pray that God’s desired will is done concerning the hostages, Israel and America, and Hamas and Iran, through this strategic meeting.

Pray that the time comes soon for multitudes of captives in Iran, and across the Middle East and North Africa, to be set free—not just politically, but spiritually. May the Gospel soon penetrate the Islamic veil enshrouding Iran and millions of others in that region who have long been held hostage to authoritarian leaders and jihadi terror!

As you pray, we urge you to bless, and not inadvertently curse, America’s very strategic relationship to Israel and other nations in the Middle East/North Africa. Perhaps you know that some Israeli commentators, and even some pundit-scholars, seem to blame the US for nearly every ill sustained by the Jewish state. These well-meaning Israelis relate facts that may be technically accurate. But if a critical spirit underlies their writing – and especially if they themselves are not US citizens – we encourage you to consume such content with discernment and humble, heartfelt prayers for America.

Yesterday I found reason for genuine hope for the US as I watched the inauguration. That great country has been Israel’s best friend since her inception in 1948. To be sure, a best friend is not always a good friend. America has made many mistakes over many years in relation to Israel – and will, no doubt, make more. It can rightly be said she has not always been a good friend to Israel. But America has also blessed Israel profoundly. This has been possible only because America herself has been blessed.

Sadly, America has strayed from her biblical heritage, and in many ways, spurned the blessing of YHVH. The greatest blessing that could come to her now would be more of the Blesser Himself: a spiritual revival on the order of a Great Awakening. For that, let us optimistically pray!

As America is blessed, let us also pray that Israel will look to her as semi-savior no more. Through our recent and lengthy wars, we have learned we cannot rely on any nation’s favor. Many Israelis (though certainly not all) have learned that ultimately, we have only our God to trust. A terribly hard but necessary and very good lesson.

Hours after the Israeli hostages were released, the United States underwent a dynamic and perhaps historic shift. As I watched the inauguration of Donald Trump, the words of my “happenstance” daily Bible reading from hours earlier, echoed in my spirit: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city [or nation] the watchman keeps awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

Let us pray with faith for God to build a new White House, so to speak, in America. Pray that the labor of President Trump and of God-fearing Americans will be divinely inspired and not undertaken in vain, but sustainable and fruitful for many, many years. Pray for a White House metaphorically re-built on a solid foundation of God’s Word.

In his inaugural address, President Trump stated with loud and clear emphasis, “We will not forget our God!” Let us daily declare “Amen” to this powerful proclamation.

You may have noticed it was at 12:12 pm US time in Washington DC that Mr. Trump completed his oath of office. In Scripture, 12 is the number which Bible scholars say represents governing authority. May God authorize this man, quite imperfect as he is, to govern for this time and season so that, with our prayers, he will say “Yes” to the promptings of heaven.

Yesterday’s inauguration on January 20 converged with the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Day in America. Dr. King, an African-American Christian pastor and civil rights leader, was tragically assassinated in 1968. He is remembered, in part, for his “I Have a Dream” speech. The speech includes the recurrent refrain: “Let freedom ring!” These words were poignantly and prophetically cited from King’s speech yesterday as the ceremony drew to a close.

In faith, we’re believing for a gracious and merciful release from captivity—freedom for all living Israeli hostages, for American Judeo-Christian values that have been metaphorically held hostage, and for Muslim nations. May they be blessed to bless. Let freedom in the Spirit of God ring!

And may each of you, our dear friends, be freely blessed by God to be a blessing.