On December 27, 2008, Israeli forces initiated an assault into Gaza for the expressed purpose of stopping Hamas rocket attacks into southern Israel. This battle, which has continued for three weeks, was halted this past week as a tenuous cease-fire took effect. News outlets have reported damage estimates in Gaza as high as 2 billion dollars while damage to Israeli property was minimal. Casualty estimates were also lopsided, with around 1300 Gazans dead compared to 13 Israelis. As would be expected in view of such numbers, Israel is claiming victory. Interestingly enough, so is Hamas. An AP article entitled “Hamas declares victory in rallies across Gaza” reports the following: “Waving green Islamic flags atop the ruins of Gaza, Hamas proclaimed victory in rallies attended by thousands of supporters Tuesday, saying it survived Israel’s military onslaught despite the destruction and massive death toll suffered by Gazans.” Apparently, beauty is not the only thing that is in the eye of the beholder. As this story illustrates, victory also depends on one’s perspective.
The image of a Hamas militant, standing in the midst of smoldering rubble, with perhaps scores of fallen comrades around him, and defiantly claiming victory seems almost bizarre, doesn’t it? But when you think about it, it’s really not all that different from the stance that the human race in general has taken in relationship to their Creator. Ever since the Fall, many have declared war on God and His will for their lives. They stubbornly do things their own way, regardless of the harm it brings to themselves and those around them. And when their lives come crashing down around them, some still stand in the midst of the rubble and claim to be living victoriously without any help from God.
Lord, I live in a world that is full of people who don’t understand that true victory in life only comes with Your help. May I help them to understand the utter futility of life without You. Please help me to be a beacon of Your hope when they begin seeking for a better way.
God loves you!
Mike
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