We paused several times today to specifically pray for peace in this land. Our sensitivities were heightened, as was security all about us. We saw soldiers all over the place this AM, on alert because of the unrest in the Gaza Strip. I figured the Israeli's wanted to make a show of force to discourage any sympathy demonstrations.
Going into Bethlehem we had to pass through a checkpoint in the "Wall." The Israeli's call it a security wall. The Palestinians call it the Wall of Apartheit. The graffiti on the wall spoke their sentiments clearly. And we got a first-hand look at how imposing and oppressive it is.
Over here the only thing clear about the Palestinian/Israeli conflict is that it is a complicated tangle of hopes, loyalties and lies. Something beyond human wisdom is needed. Something like a Messiah, a Savior, a God who places in each heart a burning desire for peace, wholeness, respect, and freedom. And so we pray. We pray for those who feel the fear, for those who have known the harm of evil's done, for those who cannot forgive, and whose who continually want more. We pray for peace.
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