Lessons from Ahab
Be careful who you release!
When Israel and the U.S. decisively struck Iran on Feb. 28th, our nation began a mighty work to help protect God’s people from the threat of nuclear attack. The success was stunning, and the Iranian regime’s iron grasp on its country began to slip. For the first time in forty-seven years, the people of Iran had a fighting chance for liberty, although too late for many of those who were protesting for it in January.
At that time, President Trump declared that he didn’t care about polls, and that it was the right thing to do. He was on target - hammering Iran, standing with Israel, and on track to defeat Iran entirely. The only leverage point left to Iran was their blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, on April 7th, President Trump declared a ceasefire agreement had been reached. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. and Israeli strikes came to a halt, and the Iranian people’s chance for freedom disappeared. Furthermore, Iran reclosed the Straight of Hormuz on April 17th (in violation of the ceasefire), in addition to maintaining sporadic attacks on U.S. forces and Arab countries opposing Iran. Despite this, President Trump has not been willing to enforce the ceasefire up to this point, instead relying on the negotiations that seem to be accomplishing nothing but buying time for Iran to reposition themselves.
Why? When U.S. strikes were crushing the Iranian regime, and Israeli bombs were bringing justice to dozens of cruel leaders across Iran, and Iran’s once mighty barrages of missiles had been reduced to a tiny trickle, why did Trump stop?
Because he wanted to look like a peacemaker. He did the right thing by taking on this war, but now he saw a chance to make himself a name for ending conflicts- so he reversed course and cut a deal.
In 1 Kings chapter 20, the Lord had miraculously given Israel victory over the Syrians, and Benhadad, the Syrian king, came to King Ahab begging for mercy. In exchange for a few promises, King Ahab let him go. Afterwards, one of the prophets informed King Ahab that the Lord was highly displeased with his decision to let the enemy who had been delivered into his hand go.
Iran was much like Benhadad, having little left to oppose the might of the U.S. and Israel. But instead of persevering until total victory, President Trump decided to follow the example of Ahab. He gave Iran a temporary ceasefire, which promptly grew into an indefinite one. Similar lack of courage has produced the same results in Gaza with Hamas, and in Lebanon with Hezbollah.
Furthermore, it is interesting to note that while gas prices jumped during the actual fighting, they have become even higher amidst the uncertainty of negotiations and the continuing deadlock over the Strait. The current indefinite negotiating is not strengthening America’s hand at home or abroad.
Thankfully, there are signs that President Trump may be realizing that this was the wrong move. On Monday, he stated that “the ceasefire is on massive life support” after Iran sent another ridiculous list of demands to the United States. It remains to be seen whether he will be willing and able to achieve victory in the days ahead.
So what can we do?
Pray.
Pray that President Trump will have the boldness to resume strikes on the Iranian regime and let Israel finish defeating Hamas and Hezbollah.
Pray for the people of Iran, that they would be able to overthrow their oppressive government. Without action on the ground from them, it appears the Iranian Regime will cling to power despite US and Israeli airstrikes, and many of the boldest of the Iranian were killed by the Iranian government during the protests in January.
Pray for the Christians in Iran, that God would “…behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word…” (Acts. 4:27) Being a Christian in Iran is punishable by beating, prison, and death. The Christians in Iran need much prayer.
Also, we can stand. Everywhere we go, we can speak for Israel, as we are commanded to in Proverbs 31:8, “Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.”
It’s Jerusalem Day!
59 years ago today, during the 1967 Six-Day War, Israeli soldiers finally took back the Old City of Jerusalem, the Western Wall, and the Temple Mount after years of Arab occupation.
What Is Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim)? | IFCJ
Ahead of Jerusalem Day, Ben-Gvir raises Israeli flag on Temple Mount - Israel & Jewish News - JNS
Don’t take Jerusalem for granted! - Israel & Jewish News - JNS
Jerusalem Day: A son's tale of an Ammunition Hill hero | The Jerusalem Post
Diplomats gather for JCAP event marking Jerusalem Day - Israel & Jewish News - JNS
News from Israel:
Iran’s strategy is to buy time in negotiations with the US - JNS.org - Jewish News Syndicate
Israel to sue 'New York Times' over prison rape story - Israel & Jewish News - JNS
Show But Don’t Tell: Media Erase Hezbollah's Presence in Lebanon | HonestReporting
Netanyahu coalition submits bill to dissolve Knesset, set election date - Israel & Jewish News - JNS An election could produce a different Prime Minister who may not continue the fight against terrorism as Netanyahu has. Pray that they will have a wise ruler in these turbulent times! (See 1 Kings 5:7)
Peace Is Impossible While the Palestinian Authority Rewards Anti-Jewish Terror | HonestReporting
IDF soldiers mark Memorial Day in Gaza, Lebanon and Samaria - JNS.org - Jewish News Syndicate