Violence and political radicalization raise questions about the role of the Bible and true peace. This article encourages us to take a fresh look at the biblical story and be messengers of peace in this world. By Gabriela Profeta Phillips, Director of Adventist Muslim Relations, North American Division.

Reading time: 3 minutes

The war in the Middle East is a significant setback to any prospect of peace in the region. With the hardening of Israeli politics in recent elections and the radicalization of Hamas, supported by Iran and Qatar, violence is presented as the only option for peace. But between these options there are suffering people who are about to lose hope. On top of that, the news confuses us even more by ignoring the spiritual consequences unleashed by the war and pretending that the most important thing is to find the "culprit."

Christians have attempted to add biblical elements to this distorted version of history that seem to justify one side or the other. This is more akin to the current polarization of humanity than a careful study of biblical history. The Bible has therefore also become a victim of war. Let’s go back to the source! Let us get to know the one who alone can bring forgiveness, mercy and justice. Yes, justice, because without justice there is no lasting peace.

Only by listening to the Bible again can we debunk sinful ideas about peace and the sword. Peace, such as this world cannot give (that is what we are seeing!), has only one source: God's Messiah - the Messiah that most Jews have rejected and that most Muslims only confess with their lips. I don't mean the Messiah of institutionalized Christianity who has been co-opted for all sorts of corporate reasons. I mean God's Messiah, the one who loved the world so much that he came to bring life, yes life in abundance, to Palestinians and Jews alike. Now Jerusalem, which means foundation or teacher of peace, can actually teach peace to all nations from its heavenly place (Micah 4,2:3-XNUMX). We can be instruments in this. One day it will stand in the place where war is still raging.

Are we still men and women of faith? If so, why do we quote Matthew 24 selectively, with a focus on war and rumors of war, forgetting that "the sign" that believers look for is not violence, but the kingdom of peace of verse 14?

Are we still people of hope? Hope cannot be built on illusions such as the reconstruction of the Temple through Zionist efforts or through the false belief, and this concerns us more, that the origin of this crisis could be explained by the rivalry between Sarah and Hagar. The problem with such distorted interpretations of history is that God blessed Ishmael and even predicted that Ishmael's family would unite in worship with the eschatological sons of Isaac (Isaiah 60,6:7-XNUMX). The truth sets us free!

We don't have all the answers, God does. So let's pray together for peace. Blessed are the peacemakers in a world of turmoil, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5,9:XNUMX).

Aus: nPraxis International Newsletter, October 12, 2023