What Side Are You On?
What side are you on? As I watch the conflict not only after October 7 but for many years, I see people going too far to one side or the other. This reminds me of what happened with Joshua in Joshua 5: 13 -15. Joshua was standing close to Jericho, ready to fight against the Canaanites and the Amorites, their enemies. Then he saw a man with a drawn sword in his hand. As Joshua approached him, he asked, "Are you with us or with our enemy?" The man responded, "Neither, I am the commander of the army of the Lord." This response echoes many times when we try to bring God to our side or when others do the same. What if we stand on the side of the Lord instead of trying to bring God to our side? This is what James and John did in Luke 9:54-55 when they were with Jesus at a Samaritan village that did not welcome Him as they thought they should. James and John became very angry and suggested calling down fire from heaven to destroy the village. Jesus rebuked them because that was not His mission; He came to give life.
When we stand on the side of the Lord, we can see things from God's perspective and experience what He has in store for us. When we align with God's side, we see His heart and seek to fulfill His will, as Micah 6:8, describes: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." He will help us stand with the oppressed without demonizing the oppressor.
What side are you on? When we stand with God, our priorities align, our motivations are pure, and we live among others with the power of His love and forgiveness.
If Jesus were physically present today, I believe He would be with the families of the hostages, with those who have lost loved ones. He would be in Gaza, where 14,000 children have been killed, helping to recover the bodies from under the rubble and comforting the families and orphans who have lost so much, including 10,000 women. What side are you on?
I hope and pray that we will stand on God's side, recognizing that all human beings are equal, created in God's image, and made from one blood. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. (Acts 17:26).
We continue to do hot meals for those sheltered in the churches and the surronding areas.
We also have been able to distribute meals to the people in Rafah and the middle of the Gaza Strip. The sitution is very dire and people are desprate for food, as seen below. Please keep all in your prayers.
We continue to hold the people of Gaza in our prayers, asking for God's peace, mercy, and comfort to prevail in their lives. We remain committed to serving them in whatever way we can and continue to provide hot meals. We are grateful for your unwavering support.
I always enjoy hearing from you and reading your words of encouragement. May God bless you abundantly for your kindness and compassion towards our brothers and sisters in Gaza.
With gratitude and prayers,
Pastor Hanna Massad
Founder & President
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