|
Restoration
A Covenant of Life
Darris McNeely
There is a rage burning
within today's Islamic world. We have already seen its effect in the events of last
Sept. 11. It continues on the streets of Jerusalem and in the small villages of the
Palestinian territories. It is the rage of a generation that feels helpless and powerless
to control its destiny. There is a perceived threat from Israel, which is seen as
linked to the United States. The economic, political and military power of the West
frustrates those Muslims who feel their religion is superior to any other. They don't
know how to deal with the overwhelming economic, military and political superiority
of the West.
Their latest response to a bad situation is strapping explosives on their bodies,
killing themselves and Israelis. We see this almost daily, and indications are that
it will continue, regardless of any negotiated "peace." One of the most
poignant scenes was in a recent video showing a Palestinian mother with her son,
who was armed and ready to destroy himself in a lone attack on Israelis. She was
proud of what her son was about to do. She said that if she had a dozen sons, she
would send them out to kill the enemy-meaning Israel. The next day the boy killed
himself and others in an attack.
It is a bankrupt culture that proudly sends the flower of its youth to their death,
while papering it over with a mask of dignity.
Recent reports tell of three boys-ages 13 to 15-who left farewell letters to their
parents and took some makeshift explosives made from firecrackers and knives and
headed for the Jewish town of Netzarim, where they were killed by soldiers defending
the settlement. One source says Islamic Jihad sent them.
Not all Palestinians agree with those who encourage self-destruction in their decades-old
cause. Outraged parents spoke out saying that the young should be taught to grow
up and study so they can fill responsible roles in a future society.
The Palestinians suffer from a failed leadership, which for more than 50 years has
lacked a vision to craft a society in which the young can grow up with a positive
hope. The politics of the Palestinian cause has squandered a generation of opportunity.
On the other hand, Israel's response, though intended to protect its citizens, does
not contain the seeds of a lasting peace. So the world waits and looks for a new
idea with the hope that peace can be achieved.
Some say we are witnessing the clash of civilizations in the Middle East. The reality
is an ancient clash between two branches of the family of the biblical patriarch
Abraham. If the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael could find their way back to the
God of Abraham, they would discover a way of life that would enable them to reconcile
the age-long animosity.
In Genesis 17:1-2 God said to Abram, "Walk in My ways and be blameless. I will
establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will make you exceedingly numerous"
(Jewish Publication Society). This covenant of perfection contains the needed seeds
of peace for today's conflict between all nations, not just the Arabs and Israelis.
These seeds lead people to commit to life, not death.
The streets of Jerusalem and Bethlehem continue to wait for the safety that will
allow children and adults to walk and work together. It will take a restoration of
the way of God to bring an end to the tense and uncertain climate. The words of Psalm 122 carry a poignant urgency today: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem."
wnp
Send any comments / changes regarding this page to webmaster@churchofgodtwincities.org
© 2002-2022 United Church of God,
an International Association
|
