OPINION:
In a moment of profound relief and joyful reunion, Israel and the entire world recently witnessed the return of all 20 remaining living hostages held by Hamas after more than two years of captivity. It was a historic turning point in a conflict that has brought unspeakable suffering.
Even as we continue to celebrate, we must remember that the struggle for peace endures. Among that work is the mission of Christians to stand faithfully with Israel, not only in moments of triumph but in the hard times as well.
That is why gatherings like our recent Flags of Fellowship event, in partnership with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (“The Fellowship”), are significant at this moment in history. They are not merely symbolic; they are tangible expressions that we stand with Israel.
Flags of Fellowship is a way for us to show our sincere and public support for Israel. Congregations of Christians around the U.S. standing with their brothers and sisters in the Holy Land also fuel this hope.
The living hostages are home, but Israel and the Jewish people need us now more than ever. Antisemitism, what some hoped was a relic of history, remains on the rise in many forms.
Standing with Israel is not simply an act of solidarity; it is also a spiritual posture that we must pursue daily.
The world’s attention will now shift. Some may relax, hoping the conflict in the Middle East is over. Others will continue to push narratives casting Israel as the aggressor. We must resist those pressures. Christians need to continue lifting their voices in loud, unwavering solidarity.
Above all, we must pray without ceasing.
Pray for those whose loved ones aren’t returning home alive and those still healing from the trauma and abuse that took place on Oct. 7, 2023. Pray for Israeli neighborhoods and communities as they continue to rebuild, and pray for the people of the Gaza Strip that they will resist the grip of terrorism and choose peace with their neighbors in Israel.
As this new chapter begins, let us not mistake relief for resolution. The return of the hostages is a glimpse of redemption, a sign that even in the darkest valleys, God is still writing hope into history. Yet our faithful work continues. The God who keeps his promises has not finished his work in Israel, and neither should we.
JIM SCUDDER
Senior pastor, Quentin Road Baptist Church
Lake Zurich, Illinois
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