DNA Is Not a Deed, and Scripture Is Not a License to Dispossess

I have been a student of genealogy since I was sixteen years old. Over the years, I have traced my documented family history back to 1044. DNA testing has taken the story even further, pointing toward a connection with ancient people whose remains were discovered in the Lichtenstein Cave near Osterode in Lower Saxony, Germany.

The Lichtenstein Cave should not be confused with the country of Liechtenstein. This cave is an archaeological site in Germany where the remains of a Bronze Age family clan were discovered.

Archaeologists originally identified the remains of forty people—nineteen males and twenty-one females. Later investigations indicated that the cave may have contained the remains of as many as seventy-five individuals. These people lived approximately 3,000 years ago.

Because the DNA was unusually well preserved, researchers were able to identify relationships among members of an extended family spanning several generations. The evidence suggests that the cave was a family burial chamber rather than the site of a massacre or human sacrifice.

My family’s journey appears to have led from Germany to France, then to England, and finally to America in 1640. I can truthfully say that my family has roots in Germany, France, England, and America.

However, let me ask a plain country-preacher question: What does that ancient German connection give me the right to do today?

Suppose the Truitts Returned to Germany

Suppose the Truitts, now a large family, decided to band together and return to the area around Osterode. Suppose we announced that our ancestors had lived there 3,000 years ago and that God had therefore given the land to us.

Would our DNA prove an ancient connection to the area? Perhaps.

Would that give us the right to claim somebody else’s farm, house, or village? No.

Would it give us the right to drive the present inhabitants from their homes? Absolutely not.

What if we said, “Our ancestors suffered greatly through the centuries, so we deserve a homeland of our own”?

Our suffering might deserve recognition, sympathy, and justice, but it still would not give us the right to inflict suffering upon innocent German families living there today.

DNA is not a deed. Ancient ancestry is not a modern property title. A historical connection to a place does not give anyone the moral right to remove the people presently living there.

My family returning to Germany after 3,000 years would not give us the right to claim what is not ours.

Yet this kind of reasoning lies at the heart of political Zionism in Palestine.

An Ancient Connection Does Not Erase the Present Population

The Jewish people undeniably have an ancient historical and religious connection to the land. That fact should not be denied. Jewish people have also suffered centuries of persecution, expulsions, pogroms, and the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust.

Christians must condemn antisemitism wherever it appears. Hatred of Jewish people is sinful, just as hatred of Arabs or Muslims is sinful. Every person is created in the image of God and is a soul for whom Christ died.

But recognizing Jewish suffering does not require us to deny Palestinian suffering.

Palestinians had homes, farms, villages, churches, mosques, businesses, and family burial grounds in that land. They are not imaginary people who appeared from nowhere. They are human beings with families, memories, and roots of their own.

One people’s ancient connection cannot erase another people’s present existence.

“Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.”
—Proverbs 20:10, KJV

God does not have one standard of justice for the people we favor and another standard for those we dislike. If it would be wrong for the Truitts to drive German civilians from their homes, it is also wrong for Palestinians to be driven from theirs.

Justice must have an honest weight and an honest measure.

What About God’s Promise to Abraham?

Many Christians believe the modern State of Israel has an unconditional right to the land because God made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

God certainly made a covenant with Abraham. We cannot tear those promises out of the Bible. But neither can we tear them away from Christ and turn them into a modern real-estate deed.

The Apostle Paul explained where the promise finds its fulfillment:

“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.”
—Galatians 3:16, KJV

Paul then declared:

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
—Galatians 3:29, KJV

The New Testament does not teach that salvation or membership in God’s covenant family comes through DNA. It comes through Jesus Christ.

“For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.”
—Romans 9:6, KJV

God’s kingdom is not built upon ethnicity, military power, national borders, or earthly governments. Jesus told Pilate:

“My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight.”
—John 18:36, KJV

That ought to settle something in the Christian heart. Our calling is not to help an earthly government conquer territory. Our calling is to preach Christ, seek justice, show mercy, and love our neighbors—even our enemies.

The Bible Never Gives Permission to Commit Injustice

Even under the Old Covenant, possession of the land was never presented as permission to practice oppression. The prophets repeatedly warned Israel that religious claims would not protect a nation that abandoned justice.

“Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;

“To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people.”
—Isaiah 10:1–2, KJV

God also commanded Israel concerning the stranger:

“But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself.”
—Leviticus 19:34, KJV

If our interpretation of prophecy permits us to ignore the cries of suffering children, something is wrong with our interpretation.

If our theology requires us to excuse the destruction of homes, the displacement of families, collective punishment, starvation, or the killing of civilians, something is wrong with our theology.

The God of Abraham is also the Judge of all the earth.

“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
—Genesis 18:25, KJV

God’s righteousness does not change according to the flag flying over a government building.

Political Zionism Is Not the Gospel

We must distinguish between Jewish people and political Zionism. They are not the same thing. Not every Jewish person supports the policies of the Israeli government, and criticism of a government is not hatred of an ethnic or religious people.

Likewise, opposing the killing of Palestinians does not mean approving Hamas, terrorism, or the killing of Israeli civilians. Murder does not become righteous because we sympathize with the murderer’s cause.

I do not support the killing of Jewish civilians. I do not support the killing of Palestinian civilians. I do not support terrorism, collective punishment, forced displacement, or revenge.

My concern is not which side can produce the oldest map. My concern is what is just before God.

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
—Micah 6:8, KJV

Political Zionism is a political ideology. It is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. The modern State of Israel is a government. It is not the Church, and its political leaders are not above moral judgment.

No government should be permitted to wrap itself in Bible prophecy and then demand that Christians remain silent about injustice.

My German Roots Give Me a Connection, Not Ownership

I can appreciate my ancient connection to Germany. I can study the history, visit the region, honor my ancestors, and acknowledge the path by which my family eventually reached America.

But I cannot knock on a German family’s door and say, “My ancestors were here first, so this house now belongs to me.”

I cannot point to my DNA results and demand that they leave.

I cannot appeal to events from 3,000 years ago as justification for taking away their rights today.

I may have a connection to the land, but I do not own it.

The same moral principle must apply to everyone. Ancient Jewish ancestry may establish a profound historical connection to Palestine, but that connection cannot, by itself, grant a modern government the right to take another person’s home or drive civilians from the land.

The Bible says:

“Thou shalt not steal.”
—Exodus 20:15, KJV

That commandment does not contain a political exception.

We Must Carry the Burden for Every Soul

I pray for Jewish people. I pray for Palestinians. I pray for Muslims, Christians, Israelis, and Arabs. Every bomb that falls lands upon souls for whom Christ died.

The Church should not be cheering for war. We should be carrying a burden for the lost.

Our enemies are not targets to be destroyed; they are souls who need to be saved. Our commission is not to conquer Jerusalem with weapons. It is to take the gospel of Jesus Christ into all the world.

I believe we can acknowledge the Jewish people’s ancient connection to the land without endorsing the dispossession of Palestinians. We can condemn antisemitism while also condemning injustice committed by the Israeli government. We can mourn murdered Israelis while also mourning murdered Palestinians.

That is not compromise. That is applying one moral standard to every human life.

DNA is not a deed.

An ancient promise is not a license to steal.

Scripture is not a weapon to be used against suffering civilians.

And no claim to land—whether based upon ancestry, history, politics, or religion—can cancel the command of Almighty God:

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”
—Matthew 7:12, KJV

If I would not want someone to take my home, destroy my church, drive away my family, or kill my grandchildren, then I must not defend those things when they happen to someone else.

That is not politics.

That is the Golden Rule.

The Greatest Battle Is Within the Church

 There is no question that the Church faces powerful influences from the secular world. We see the attack upon the family, the corruption of our children, the loss of respect for biblical authority, the spread of ungodly philosophies, and increasing hostility toward anyone who holds to the teachings of Scripture.

These are real concerns, and we should not close our eyes to them.

The Apostle Paul warned us:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” — Ephesians 6:12, KJV

We are in a spiritual battle. However, I have come to believe that the greatest battle facing the Church is not coming from the secular world. The most dangerous battle is taking place within the Church itself.

The world has always been worldly. Sinners have always acted like sinners. Governments have always sought power, false religions have always opposed the truth, and wickedness has always attempted to corrupt the innocent.

The greater tragedy is that the Church has begun to think, speak, and act like the world.

The Church at Laodicea

When I look at much of the Church today, I see the condition described in Revelation chapter 3:

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” — Revelation 3:15–16, KJV

That is where we are today.

We are not entirely cold. We still have church buildings, Sunday services, Christian music, religious organizations, television ministries, conferences, books, and political gatherings. We still use the name of Jesus and talk about taking America back for God.

But neither are we truly hot.

Where are the prayer meetings? Where is the burden for the lost? Where is the conviction of sin? Where is the call to repentance? Where is the preaching of holiness? Where are the broken hearts crying out for revival?

We have activity without spiritual power. We have Christian language without Christlike character. We have political passion without a burden for souls.

We are lukewarm.

We Think We Are Rich

Jesus continued His message to Laodicea:

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing…” — Revelation 3:17, KJV

The Laodicean church thought it was successful. It had resources and did not believe it needed anything. Yet Jesus saw something entirely different:

“…and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” — Revelation 3:17, KJV

That is a frightening description.

A church can have a beautiful building and still be spiritually poor. It can have money in the bank and still be miserable. It can have a large crowd and still be blind. It can have political influence and still be naked before God.

We have mistaken prosperity for blessing, crowds for revival, excitement for the moving of the Holy Ghost, and political access for spiritual authority.

We keep talking about what the world is doing to the Church, but we seldom ask what the Church has done to itself.

The Political-Loyalty Front

One of the greatest spiritual battles within the Church is political loyalty.

There are Christians who appear more loyal to their political party than to Jesus Christ. They will condemn dishonesty, immorality, cruelty, corruption, or abuse of power when it is committed by the opposing party. Yet when the same behavior appears in their preferred leader, they make excuses for it.

That is not spiritual discernment. It is partiality.

The Bible says:

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” — James 2:1, KJV

Wrong does not become right because our candidate does it. Sin does not become righteousness because it advances our political agenda.

Jesus gave us the test:

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” — Matthew 7:20, KJV

He did not say that we would know them by their speeches, campaign promises, party affiliation, or ability to quote Scripture. He said we would know them by their fruit.

When Christians defend in their political leader what they would condemn in someone else, that political leader has become an idol.

The Nationalism Front

I love my country. I am thankful for the freedoms we have enjoyed, and I believe Christians should be responsible citizens. But America is not the kingdom of God.

Jesus said:

“My kingdom is not of this world…” — John 18:36, KJV

The kingdom of God does not fly beneath the flag of any earthly nation. It is made up of the redeemed from every tribe, language, people, and nation.

There is a dangerous drift within the Church from a spiritual understanding of world events toward a nationalistic one. Instead of asking, “What does the Bible teach?” we ask, “What is best for America?” Instead of asking, “What would Jesus have us do?” we ask, “What will help our side win?”

Those questions will not always produce the same answer.

Our first loyalty must be to Jesus Christ. If our nation acts unjustly, we must be willing to say so. If our government harms innocent people, we must care about those people even when they live beyond our borders. If our political leaders promote vengeance, cruelty, pride, or war, the Church must not bless those things merely because they are presented as acts of patriotism.

Patriotism can be honorable. Nationalism becomes idolatry when the nation is placed where only Christ belongs.

The Neglected-Doctrine Front

Churches have become eager to discuss political agendas while neglecting the doctrines of Jesus.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, pray for those who despitefully use us, forgive those who wrong us, care for the poor, welcome the stranger, make peace, speak truth, reject hypocrisy, and seek first the kingdom of God.

When was the last time some churches seriously taught those doctrines?

We hear about defeating our enemies, but Jesus said:

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you…” — Matthew 5:44, KJV

We hear about making people afraid of us, but Jesus said:

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9, KJV

We hear about gaining power, but Jesus said:

“Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” — Matthew 20:27, KJV

We cannot ignore the plain teachings of Jesus and then call our political agenda a spiritual movement.

If our political philosophy requires us to explain away the Sermon on the Mount, something is wrong with our philosophy—not with the words of Jesus.

The Politicized-Pulpit Front

The prophets of the Bible did not exist to endorse kings. They existed to speak the truth to them.

Nathan confronted David. Elijah confronted Ahab. John the Baptist confronted Herod. They did not first ask whether their words would help the opposing political party.

Some ministers today seem to believe that their responsibility is to defend a political leader. They explain away his conduct, repeat his claims without examination, and tell their congregations that supporting him is the same as supporting God.

That is dangerous ground.

A preacher who cannot correct his preferred political leader has lost his prophetic voice. He has become a political spokesman standing behind a pulpit.

The Church must never allow politicians to use Christian language as a substitute for Christian fruit. Speaking the name of God does not prove that a person is directed by God. Satan quoted Scripture when he tempted Jesus.

Everything must be tested by the Word of God.

The Fear-and-Anger Front

Fear has become one of the most effective tools for controlling the Church.

We are continually told that every election is the final battle, every political opponent is an agent of Satan, and the Church will be destroyed unless we place the right person in office.

Fear may raise money, attract an audience, and turn out voters, but fear does not produce holiness.

The Bible says:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7, KJV

Anger is no better.

“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” — James 1:20, KJV

The constant political outrage is damaging our spiritual vision. We have become so busy watching the sins of the other side that we can no longer see the sins growing within our own camp.

Judgment Must Begin With Us

It is easy to identify the sins of the world. It takes spiritual courage to examine the sins of the Church.

Peter wrote:

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God…” — 1 Peter 4:17, KJV

Before we demand that America repent, the Church must repent.

Before we tell the world to open its eyes, we must ask the Lord to open ours.

Before we expose the idols of secular society, we must tear down the political idols standing in our sanctuaries and hearts.

The greatest danger is not that the secular world will silence the Church. The greater danger is that the Church will keep its microphone, maintain its buildings, preserve its organizations, and retain its political influence while ceasing to proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Christ Is Calling Us to Repent

The message to Laodicea did not end without hope. Jesus said:

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” — Revelation 3:19, KJV

The Lord rebukes us because He loves us. He has not abandoned His Church. He is standing at the door, calling us back to Himself:

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock…” — Revelation 3:20, KJV

That verse was addressed to a church. Christ was standing outside, knocking upon the door of a congregation that still claimed His name.

Could that describe us today?

We will not win this battle through another election, another political organization, or another alliance with powerful leaders. We will win it when God’s people humble themselves, confess their sins, return to prayer, preach the whole counsel of God, obey the teachings of Jesus, and recover their burden for the lost.

Yes, there are enemies outside the walls. Yes, there are secular influences we must resist. But the greatest battlefield is within the Church.

Until we repent and get our spiritual eyes open, we will continue to lose the battle while congratulating ourselves that we are winning.

The Church does not merely need to become more politically active. The Church needs to become spiritually alive.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” — Revelation 3:22, KJV

Have I Become A Liberal?

 I asked the question and here is a response I received.

No, Brother Larry—you are not missing some hidden truth of the Christian faith. You are feeling the tension that arises when loyalty to Jesus conflicts with the demands of nationalism.

Believing that an enemy is a soul to be redeemed rather than merely a target to be destroyed is not liberalism. It is the plain teaching of Christ:

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
—Matthew 5:44, KJV

Jesus did not say this because enemies are harmless or tyranny is acceptable. He said it because the Christian must never permit another person’s evil to determine the condition of his own heart.

There is indeed a difference between being a Christian and being a patriot. A patriot may love his country, appreciate its freedoms, honor those who serve, and desire its welfare. But a Christian’s supreme allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ:

“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
—Acts 5:29

The flag cannot take the place of the cross. The government cannot define righteousness for the Church. America, like every earthly nation, must be judged by the teachings of Christ; Christ must never be reshaped to justify the policies of America.

Romans 13 teaches that civil government has a legitimate responsibility to restrain wrongdoing. But it does not declare every war, bombing, invasion, alliance, or military objective righteous. The same Paul who wrote Romans 13 was imprisoned and eventually killed by the government described there. Government possesses authority, but it does not possess infallibility.

Christians have disagreed for centuries over whether war can ever be morally justified. Some follow a carefully limited “just war” position. Historic peace churches—including Friends, Mennonites, and Brethren—have testified that the way of Christ forbids Christians from killing. But neither tradition permits blind nationalism, delight in violence, hatred of civilians, indifference to suffering, or treating every government-designated enemy as less than human.

Your convictions are deeply rooted in the Friends peace testimony. Early Friends were not political liberals in the modern sense. They opposed war because they believed the Spirit of Christ would never lead them to destroy those for whom Christ died. George Fox and other Friends declared that they lived in the life and power that takes away the occasion of war.

Has Christianity moved away from Jesus? Parts of institutional and political Christianity certainly have. Whenever Christians excuse cruelty because their preferred political leader committed it, celebrate the death of enemies, or place national greatness above mercy and truth, they have moved away from the spirit of Christ. Yet Christianity itself has not changed because Jesus has not changed. There are still faithful Christians refusing to surrender their consciences to political parties, governments, or military propaganda.

Justice and mercy are not opposites. Biblical justice seeks to restrain evil, protect the innocent, speak truth, and restore what has been broken. Mercy reminds us that even the guilty bear God’s image and need repentance and redemption. Micah joined these truths together:

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
—Micah 6:8

You can oppose tyranny without hating the people living under it. You can condemn terrorism without supporting the killing of innocent families. You can pray for American soldiers while questioning the policies that place them in danger. You can love America without pretending America is always right. That is not disloyalty. It is moral honesty.

Perhaps the real question is not, “Have I become a liberal?” The more searching question is:

“Am I becoming more faithful to Jesus, even when His teachings do not fit comfortably within my political identity?”

Political labels shift with every generation. Jesus Christ does not. If following Him causes both conservatives and liberals to misunderstand you at times, you may simply be discovering that the narrow way does not follow either party line.

You have not abandoned your convictions. You are applying them more consistently. Freedom from tyranny, justice for the oppressed, mercy toward the lost, protection of innocent life, and love for one’s enemies belong neither to the political right nor the political left. They belong to the kingdom of God.

Modern Israel Is Not the Church—and Opposition to War Is Not Opposition to God

 Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent words to evangelical leaders should trouble Christians. When the prime minister of a foreign country tells American believers that Israel and evangelical Christianity “are one” and urges them to “fight,” Christians ought to stop and exercise spiritual discernment.

Our identity is not determined by an alliance with Washington, Jerusalem, or any other earthly government. The Church is one body in Jesus Christ:

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles.”
—1 Corinthians 12:13, KJV

I am deeply concerned that many Christians fail to distinguish between biblical Israel and the modern State of Israel. They read the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and ancient Israel and automatically transfer every one of those promises to a political state established in 1948.

That conclusion should not be accepted without careful examination of the New Testament.

Biblical Israel and the Modern State

The modern State of Israel is a political nation with a government, an army, political parties, courts, borders, and national interests. Like every other government, it makes decisions that may be wise or foolish, just or unjust, righteous or sinful.

Biblical Israel was a covenant people called by God for a particular purpose in the unfolding plan of redemption. Through Israel came the patriarchs, the prophets, the Scriptures, and, according to the flesh, Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote:

“Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.”
—Romans 9:4–5, KJV

Christians should never deny this sacred history. Christianity arose in a Jewish setting. Our Lord, His apostles, and the earliest believers were Jewish. The Old Testament remains the inspired Word of God.

But acknowledging the Jewish roots of Christianity does not require us to identify the modern Israeli government with the kingdom of God.

Paul immediately added:

“For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.”
—Romans 9:6, KJV

Natural ancestry and national identity do not automatically produce spiritual faithfulness. That principle was true in the days of the prophets, true in the days of Christ, and remains true today.

The Church Is Not Under Netanyahu’s Authority

Benjamin Netanyahu is the prime minister of Israel. He is not a pastor, apostle, prophet, or teacher appointed over the Christian Church. He cannot define our mission, identify our enemies, or tell us when faithfulness to God requires military conflict.

Our commission came from Jesus Christ:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
—Mark 16:15, KJV

The mission of the Church is not to advance the foreign policy of Israel, Iran, Russia, Turkey, or the United States. Our calling is to preach Christ, make disciples, care for the suffering, pursue holiness, love our enemies, and bear witness to the kingdom of God.

Rabbinic Judaism does not recognize the New Testament as authoritative Scripture or confess Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and Son of God. Therefore, why would Christians allow an Israeli political leader, speaking from a Jewish-national perspective, to tell the Church what the New Testament requires of us?

That is not an insult against Jewish people. It is a necessary theological distinction.

The New Testament belongs to the Christian Church as its authoritative witness to Jesus Christ. Its meaning must not be surrendered to politicians, lobbyists, military leaders, or prophecy teachers whose interpretations are designed to produce support for a particular government.

Opposing War With Iran Is Not Fighting Against God

One of the most dangerous claims being circulated is that Christians who oppose war with Iran are opposing Israel and therefore fighting against God.

That is false.

A Christian may oppose the Iranian government, condemn its persecution and violence, and still oppose an American or Israeli war against the Iranian people. Those positions are not contradictory.

Iran’s rulers must answer to God for their actions. Israel’s rulers must answer to God for theirs. America’s rulers must do the same.

No nation receives a divine exemption from the demands of justice.

“He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”
—2 Samuel 23:3, KJV

Before supporting another war, Christians should ask serious questions:

• Has every reasonable path toward peace been exhausted?

• Is the stated threat supported by trustworthy evidence?

• Who will suffer and die if war begins?

• How many civilians will be killed?

• Will the conflict protect life or unleash greater destruction?

• Are Christians being led by Scripture, fear, political loyalty, or propaganda?

Asking these questions is not rebellion against God. It is moral responsibility.

Peacemaking is not cowardice. Jesus said:

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
—Matthew 5:9, KJV

Christ did not say, “Blessed are those who support every war proposed by a nation calling itself our ally.”

“Judeo-Christian” Does Not Mean Political Unity

The phrase “Judeo-Christian heritage” can have a legitimate historical meaning. Christianity inherited the Hebrew Scriptures and shares certain moral concepts with Judaism. We should recognize that history honestly.

Nevertheless, shared historical roots do not make Christianity and modern political Zionism one faith. They do not require Christians to support every Israeli military campaign. They do not turn Israel’s national interests into commandments from God.

When political leaders use religious language, we must examine what they are asking us to support.

Netanyahu’s statement that Israel and evangelicals “are one” deliberately joins two different identities. It suggests that criticism of Israel is criticism of evangelical Christianity and that opposition to Israel’s wars is opposition to our own faith.

That is a political strategy, not New Testament doctrine.

Christians are spiritually one with every person who has been redeemed by Jesus Christ—Jew or Gentile, Israeli or Palestinian, Iranian or American.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
—Galatians 3:28, KJV

Our unity is in Christ, not in nationalism.

Criticism of Israel Is Not Antisemitism

We must also be careful on the other side. Opposition to Netanyahu must never become hatred or contempt for Jewish people.

Antisemitism is evil. Jewish people must never be blamed collectively for the actions of the Israeli government. We must not ridicule their ancestry, language, religion, or history. We should reject conspiracy theories and sweeping accusations against an entire people.

But condemning antisemitism does not require silence concerning the actions of Israel’s government.

We can oppose antisemitism while opposing the bombing of civilians. We can honor Jewish history while rejecting Christian Zionism. We can pray for the people of Israel while criticizing Netanyahu. We can reject terrorism committed against Israelis while also grieving for Palestinian and Iranian families.

Governments are not races. Political criticism is not racial hatred.

The attempt to label every criticism of Israel as antisemitism is intellectually dishonest and spiritually dangerous. It places a government beyond moral examination.

Judge the Fruit

The question is not whether Netanyahu can trace his ancestry to Abraham. The question is whether his actions and policies produce righteous fruit.

Jesus gave us the standard:

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
—Matthew 7:20, KJV

We must apply that standard consistently. When Iran speaks in the name of God, examine the fruit. When Israel invokes biblical history, examine the fruit. When American leaders wrap military policy in Christian language, examine the fruit.

Does it produce justice, mercy, truth, and peace—or fear, destruction, hatred, and death?

A political leader’s use of biblical words does not sanctify his political objectives.

My Loyalty Belongs to Christ

My faith is in Jesus Christ, not Benjamin Netanyahu. My hope is in the kingdom of God, not the military strength of an earthly nation.

I will pray for Jewish people, Palestinian people, Iranian people, Muslims, and Christians throughout the Middle East. Every one of them bears the image of God. Every one of them has a soul. Every innocent life destroyed by war represents someone Christ commanded us to love.

I will oppose antisemitism, but I will not allow accusations of antisemitism to silence legitimate criticism of a government.

I will honor the Jewish roots of Christianity, but I will not confuse biblical Israel with the modern State of Israel.

I will pray for peace, but I will not accept the claim that opposing war with Iran means fighting against God.

The Church must never become the religious publicity department of an earthly government. We do not take our marching orders from Washington or Jerusalem.

Our King is Jesus.

Our gospel is the message of salvation.

Our weapons are not carnal.

Our kingdom is not of this world.

Our loyalty belongs first, last, and forever to Jesus Christ.

My Recommendation for Peace in the War With Iran

 I have written much about the dangers of continuing the war with Iran. I have warned about the destruction of oil refineries, electrical plants, water systems, hospitals, shipping routes, and other infrastructure necessary to sustain human life. I have also warned that this war could spread famine, starvation, economic suffering, and death far beyond the borders of Iran.

It is not enough, however, merely to warn about what may happen. If I am asked what I believe should be done, then I should be prepared to offer a reasonable path toward peace.

I do not pretend to be a diplomat or military strategist. I am a country preacher who has lived long enough to know that hatred produces more hatred, violence produces more violence, and war nearly always costs more than its promoters promise.

Jesus said:

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
—Matthew 5:9, KJV

My recommendation is that President Trump, Israel, and Iran immediately step back from further escalation and begin negotiations through a trusted mediator such as Oman. No side will receive everything it wants. That is the nature of a negotiated peace. But every side can receive something it desperately needs.

Iran needs security and economic relief. Israel wants protection from an Iranian nuclear weapon and missile attacks. The United States wants attacks against its forces stopped and commercial shipping restored. The nations of the Persian Gulf want their refineries, oil fields, cities, and desalination plants protected. Above all, the innocent people of the region need an end to the killing.

Begin With an Immediate Ceasefire

The first step should be an immediate ceasefire lasting at least thirty days.

During that time, the United States, Israel, and Iran should stop all bombing, missile attacks, drone attacks, assassinations, attacks upon ships, and destructive cyberattacks. Iran should order the forces it controls and influences to stop attacking American, Israeli, Gulf, and commercial targets.

The United States and Israel should stop bombing Iran and Iranian-linked forces unless they are responding to a clear and immediate act of self-defense.

The killing should stop before every detail of the final agreement is completed. People should not continue dying while diplomats argue over the wording of documents.

The Bible says:

“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”
—Psalm 34:14, KJV

Peace must be pursued. It will not come through speeches alone. Someone must be willing to stop firing long enough for the other side to put down its weapon.

Protect the Infrastructure That Keeps People Alive

All parties should agree that certain facilities are completely off-limits.

These should include nuclear power plants, electrical generating stations, dams, water systems, hospitals, sewage-treatment plants, desalination facilities, oil refineries, civilian ports, and commercial shipping.

These are not simply buildings. They are the systems that keep millions of innocent people alive.

When electricity is destroyed, water pumps stop working. Hospitals lose power. Medicine spoils. Sewage systems fail. Food cannot be refrigerated. Fuel pumps cannot operate. Communications fail, and emergency services are crippled.

When refineries are destroyed, trucks stop moving. Farmers cannot operate machinery. Ambulances may not have fuel. Food and medicine cannot be transported.

An attack upon civilian infrastructure can kill people long after the bombers have returned safely to their bases. The elderly, the sick, children, and poor families will suffer first and longest.

We must stop speaking of destroying infrastructure as though it were nothing more than knocking down empty buildings. The lives of millions of people are connected to those facilities.

“The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.”
—Proverbs 29:7, KJV

Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz must be reopened to safe commercial shipping.

Oman could supervise a temporary shipping corridor while a permanent agreement is negotiated. Iran should guarantee the safe passage of commercial vessels and stop attacks, seizures, and unauthorized charges against ships.

In return, the United States should reduce its blockade and promise that the shipping corridor will not be used as a cover for preparing another attack upon Iran.

International observers could monitor shipping and investigate violations. The Strait must not become the private weapon of Iran, the United States, or any other nation. It is too important to the entire world.

Approximately one-fifth of the world’s petroleum liquids has historically passed through this narrow waterway. If the Strait remains closed or dangerous, oil, diesel, fertilizer, transportation, food, and manufactured goods will become more expensive.

Wealthy nations will complain about inflation. Poor nations may experience famine.

A child living thousands of miles from Iran may never hear of the Strait of Hormuz, but that child could still go hungry because grain became too expensive to produce and transport.

Negotiate a Verifiable Nuclear Agreement

Iran should make a clear and binding commitment that it will not produce or acquire nuclear weapons.

Iran should be allowed a carefully limited civilian nuclear-energy program, but it must operate under strict international inspection. Iran should freeze enrichment at an agreed civilian level, remove or dilute material enriched beyond that level, declare all nuclear material and facilities, and permit the International Atomic Energy Agency to install cameras, seals, and continuous monitoring equipment.

Bombing nuclear facilities may damage buildings and equipment, but it cannot destroy scientific knowledge. Every bombing campaign may only convince Iran that it needs a nuclear weapon for protection.

Inspections provide more lasting security than explosions.

In return for verified nuclear compliance, the United States and Israel should promise not to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. Operating nuclear power plants must never become military targets. A direct attack could release radioactive contamination throughout the region.

The purpose of the agreement must be to prevent a nuclear weapon without producing a nuclear disaster.

Lift Sanctions in Verifiable Stages

The United States should not lift every sanction merely because Iran signs a promise. At the same time, Iran cannot reasonably be expected to surrender all its leverage while receiving nothing in return.

Sanctions relief should occur in stages.

When the ceasefire begins, limited humanitarian and banking channels should reopen.

When the Strait of Hormuz is safely reopened, part of Iran’s frozen funds should be released.

When international inspectors verify Iranian nuclear compliance, restrictions upon Iranian oil exports should gradually be suspended.

When Iran remains in compliance for an agreed period, broader trade restrictions should be lifted.

If Iran violates the agreement, sanctions could return. But there must also be accountability for the United States. If Washington restores sanctions while Iran is still complying, Iran should have access to independent international arbitration.

An agreement cannot work if only one side is required to keep its word.

“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.”
—Proverbs 11:1, KJV

Offer Mutual Security Guarantees

The United States and Israel should agree that they will not invade Iran, seek to overthrow its government, assassinate its leaders, or attack its territory while Iran complies with the agreement.

In return, Iran should agree that it will not attack Israel, American military personnel, Gulf countries, or commercial shipping. It should stop supplying weapons intended for attacks covered by the ceasefire.

These promises must be mutual.

Iran will not surrender its defenses while believing another invasion or bombing campaign is being prepared. Israel will not accept promises that cannot be inspected and verified.

Neither side must learn to trust the other overnight. That may be impossible. The agreement should be built upon verification rather than blind trust.

As President Reagan once said concerning the Soviet Union, “Trust, but verify.” In this case, I would go even further: do not depend upon trust—verify everything.

Bring the Regional Nations to the Table

A lasting agreement cannot be negotiated by Washington and Tehran alone. Israel, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and other affected countries should be included in a broader regional conference.

The conference should address missile and drone attacks, armed proxy groups, foreign military bases, shipping security, prisoners, reconstruction, environmental damage, and the protection of civilian infrastructure.

There should be a direct emergency telephone line between the military commands of the major nations. Many wars have grown out of misunderstanding, false reports, unauthorized actions, and the fear that an attack was about to begin.

A telephone call made in time could save thousands of lives.

The nations of the region should agree that nuclear power plants, dams, desalination facilities, hospitals, and major water systems will never be attacked. There must be some lines that civilized nations refuse to cross, even during war.

Establish a Reconstruction Fund

A peace agreement should include a carefully monitored reconstruction fund to repair homes, hospitals, water systems, electrical networks, ports, and other civilian facilities damaged by the war.

The money must be independently audited so it does not disappear into weapons programs, military organizations, or political corruption.

Assistance should be available to innocent Iranian, Israeli, Lebanese, Gulf, and other civilians harmed by the fighting. Suffering does not become less important because the victim lives on the other side of a border.

Every innocent life has value before God.

“Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?”
—Malachi 2:10, KJV

This Is Not a Defense of the Iranian Government

Let me make my position clear. I do not support the Iranian government. I do not excuse its repression, threats, attacks, or support for violent organizations.

Neither do I believe the United States or Israel should be given permission to destroy an entire nation because we oppose its government.

Condemning the actions of the Iranian government does not require us to call for the death of Iranian children. Criticizing the Israeli government is not hatred toward Jewish people. Opposing American bombing is not hatred toward America.

Wrong is still wrong regardless of which nation commits it.

The Christian must not change his moral standard according to the flag flying over the battlefield. We must judge every nation by the same standard of righteousness.

No Side Will Receive Everything

Iran cannot reasonably expect sanctions relief while closing international shipping lanes, attacking neighboring countries, and refusing meaningful nuclear inspections.

Israel cannot reasonably demand security for itself while reserving an unlimited right to bomb other countries whenever it chooses.

The United States cannot expect Iran to negotiate honestly while continuing to threaten the complete destruction of the country’s energy and civilian infrastructure.

Each side must surrender something.

Iran must surrender the pathway to a nuclear weapon, reopen Hormuz, permit inspections, and stop regional attacks.

The United States must stop bombing, abandon regime change, and lift sanctions in stages as Iran complies.

Israel must stop attacking Iran while the agreement is being honored.

The surrounding nations must stop allowing their territory to be used for attacks while claiming they are not involved in the war.

Nobody will be able to stand before the cameras and claim complete victory. That may be the best evidence that the settlement is fair.

President Trump Has an Opportunity

President Trump has an opportunity to choose the negotiating table over the target list.

Returning to negotiations is not weakness. Restraint is not surrender. Preventing the deaths of innocent people is not cowardice.

A strong leader is not merely one who knows how to begin a war. A truly strong leader knows when the cost has become unbearable and has the courage to make peace.

The Bible says:

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
—Proverbs 16:32, KJV

The reasonable bargain is straightforward: Iran gives up the pathway to a nuclear weapon, permits strict international inspections, reopens the Strait of Hormuz, and ends regional attacks. In return, the United States and Israel end the bombing, reject regime change, lift sanctions in verified stages, release frozen Iranian funds, and recognize Iran’s right to peaceful civilian development.

No side would receive everything it wants, but the innocent people would receive something far more valuable—the opportunity to live.

Choose Peace Before It Is Too Late

The alternative is continued bombing.

That road leads toward burning refineries, darkened hospitals, failed water systems, contaminated land, empty markets, displaced families, hungry children, dead soldiers, and graves without end.

War can be started by the decision of a few leaders, but its consequences fall upon millions of people who were never asked whether they wanted it.

It is time to stop.

Return to the table.

Reopen the Strait.

Restore inspections.

Protect civilian infrastructure.

Exchange sanctions relief for verified compliance.

Give every side a way to step back without humiliation.

The Bible tells us:

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
—Romans 12:18, KJV

Peace may be difficult, but continued war would be disastrous. We must choose the difficult work of negotiation before pride, anger, and retaliation bring famine, starvation, and death to innocent people around the world.

My prayer is that President Trump will reject the voices calling for greater destruction. My prayer is that Iran will abandon its threats and accept genuine inspections. My prayer is that Israel will accept verifiable security instead of endless war.

Most of all, my prayer is that the leaders involved will remember that they will one day answer to a higher authority than voters, generals, or governments.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
—Matthew 5:9, KJV

Let us pray that peacemakers arise before the whole region is consumed.

Before the Lights Go Out: Stop the Bombing and Return to the Table

 Reports have warned that the United States and Israel considered a greatly expanded bombing campaign against Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure. The possible targets reportedly included oil refineries, export terminals, electrical power plants, and other facilities upon which the Iranian people depend for daily life.

President Trump has since postponed the proposed attack while talks are being considered. I thank the LORD for every bomb that is not dropped and every missile that remains on its launcher. But postponing destruction is not the same as ending the danger. Unless the United States, Israel, and Iran return to the negotiating table in good faith, we may be only one failed conversation, one missile strike, or one miscalculation away from a catastrophe that could spread suffering far beyond the borders of Iran.

Jesus said:

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
—Matthew 5:9, KJV

It is time for President Trump to become a peacemaker. It is time to stop threatening the destruction of an entire nation’s ability to produce electricity, refine fuel, transport food, pump water, operate hospitals, and care for its people.

This Would Not Be Just Another Bombing Campaign

There is a great difference between attacking a military installation and destroying the infrastructure that keeps millions of civilians alive.

If Iranian refineries are destroyed, the result will not merely be inconvenience at the gas pump. Trucks will stop moving. Farmers will have difficulty operating machinery. Ambulances may not have fuel. Food will not reach the cities. Medicine will not reach the hospitals. Workers will not be able to travel, and emergency services will begin to fail.

If major power plants are destroyed, the lights going out will be only the beginning.

Electricity operates water-pumping stations, sewage-treatment plants, hospitals, communications systems, food refrigeration, fuel pumps, factories, schools, and homes. When the electrical system collapses, everything connected to it begins collapsing.

Hospital operating rooms cannot function normally without reliable electricity. Kidney-dialysis machines, ventilators, incubators, oxygen systems, and refrigerated medicines all require power. Backup generators can help for a time, but generators need fuel. If the refineries and fuel depots have also been destroyed, how long will those generators continue running?

This is how a bombing campaign against “infrastructure” can become a campaign of death against ordinary people without bombs ever falling directly upon their homes.

The elderly will suffer. Children will suffer. The sick and disabled will suffer. Poor families, who have no reserves and nowhere else to go, will suffer first and suffer the longest.

These people did not start this war. They do not control the government of Iran. They did not select the targets or fire the missiles. Yet they could be required to pay the greatest price.

“The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.”
—Proverbs 29:7, KJV

The Destruction of Water Systems Could Kill Multitudes

Iran is already a water-stressed country. Much of the surrounding region depends upon electrically powered pumping, purification, and desalination systems.

Destroy the power plants, and water pumps may stop.

Destroy the fuel supply, and repair crews and emergency vehicles may be unable to operate.

Disable sewage systems, and human waste begins contaminating communities and water supplies. Disease then follows thirst. Cholera, dysentery, and other illnesses can spread quickly where clean water and sanitation disappear.

We must understand what is being discussed. It is not simply the destruction of buildings. It is the possible destruction of the systems that stand between millions of people and disease, thirst, hunger, and death.

Anyone who speaks casually about bombing power plants, dams, refineries, or water systems ought to spend a night in a hospital when the emergency generators are failing. Let him look into the face of a frightened child who cannot get clean water. Let him explain to a mother why her baby’s medicine spoiled because the refrigerator stopped working.

War looks very different from the bedside of a dying child than it does from a television studio or military briefing room.

An Attack on Bushehr Could Cross a Terrible Line

The possibility of an attack upon the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant should frighten every responsible person.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has warned that a direct hit upon an operating nuclear power plant could release large amounts of radioactive material. Even an attack that disabled its outside electrical supply could interfere with reactor cooling and increase the danger of a meltdown.

Those who imagine that America and Israel would be safe because they are far away are not considering the innocent people living around the Persian Gulf. Radioactive contamination does not stop at national borders. It can travel through the air, enter the water, damage fishing grounds, contaminate food, and threaten desalination plants serving millions of people.

An attack upon an operating nuclear power plant would not be an ordinary military strike. It would be gambling with the health of present and future generations.

“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”
—Proverbs 22:3, KJV

The prudent course is not to discover how much destruction the region can endure. The prudent course is to prevent that destruction while there is still time.

The Fire Would Not Remain Inside Iran

If Iran’s energy infrastructure is destroyed, Tehran would almost certainly face tremendous pressure to retaliate. Iranian officials have threatened American bases and regional energy facilities. The Strait of Hormuz could be further disrupted. Missile and drone attacks could spread to oil fields, refineries, power plants, terminals, and desalination facilities throughout the Persian Gulf.

That does not mean every threatened attack will happen. Neither does it mean every attack would succeed. But when nations begin destroying one another’s energy systems, retaliation and escalation become increasingly difficult to control.

Iran may strike Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, or the United Arab Emirates. Iranian-aligned forces in Yemen could threaten shipping in the Red Sea. Israel and the United States would answer those attacks, and Iran would answer again.

Before long, nobody would be controlling the war. The war would be controlling them.

The Scripture warns:

“For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”
—Hosea 8:7, KJV

Leaders may believe they can sow a few bombs in Iran and harvest an easy victory. But the whirlwind may sweep across the entire Middle East.

The Poor of the World Will Pay the Price

The Strait of Hormuz has historically carried approximately one-fifth of the world’s petroleum liquids. If Iranian exports are stopped and shipping through Hormuz is severely disrupted, oil prices could rise sharply. A modest OPEC+ production increase would not replace the millions of barrels that might disappear during a major regional war.

When oil prices rise, the effects travel around the world.

Diesel prices rise. Trucking costs rise. Fertilizer becomes more expensive. Farmers pay more to plant and harvest their crops. Ships charge more to transport grain. Airlines reduce flights or raise fares. Factories pay more for energy. Grocery prices climb.

Wealthy countries will complain about higher prices. Poor countries may face hunger.

There are families around the world already living on the edge of starvation. They cannot absorb another great increase in the cost of food and fuel. Humanitarian organizations also depend upon fuel to transport food and medicine. When transportation becomes too expensive or dangerous, aid does not reach the people who need it.

A child in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East may never hear of Kharg Island or the Strait of Hormuz. But that child may go hungry because grain became too expensive to transport.

A poor mother may never know which government fired the first missile. She will only know there is no food to give her children.

That is how the destruction of Iran could contribute to famine, starvation, disease, and death far beyond Iran. We cannot honestly predict the precise number who would die, but if energy systems, shipping routes, agriculture, water supplies, and humanitarian deliveries are disrupted together, millions of innocent people could be placed in danger.

The Bible gives us a terrible picture of war followed by famine:

“And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.”
—Revelation 6:5, KJV

War and famine have long walked together. First comes the sword, then the empty marketplace, the costly bread, and the crying child.

This Is Not a Defense of Iran’s Government

I do not support the Iranian government. Neither do I excuse Iranian threats, attacks, repression, or support for armed groups. Wrong remains wrong, regardless of which flag is flying over it.

I also do not believe that criticizing Israel’s government is hatred toward Jewish people. Nor is opposition to American bombing hatred toward America. A Christian must be able to condemn wrongdoing wherever it is found.

My concern is for innocent Iranians, innocent Israelis, American service members, Gulf civilians, and hungry families throughout the world. Every one of them is a soul for whom Christ died.

We cannot claim to value human life only when the life belongs to our own nation or political side.

“Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?”
—Malachi 2:10, KJV

President Trump Must Choose the Table Over the Target List

President Trump now has a choice. He can listen to those who believe one more overwhelming bombing campaign will finally produce victory, or he can recognize that every round of bombing has the potential to widen the war.

Destroying Iran’s energy system may weaken its government, but it could also harden the determination of its people, strengthen the most militant voices, provoke massive retaliation, and close the door to negotiations for years.

There is no guarantee that diplomacy will succeed. Iran may make unreasonable demands. Israel may object. Negotiations may be slow and frustrating. But difficult negotiations are better than burning refineries, poisoned water, darkened hospitals, radioactive contamination, and starving children.

Returning to the table is not surrender. Restraint is not cowardice. Preventing unnecessary death is not weakness.

The Bible says:

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
—Proverbs 16:32, KJV

True strength is not measured by how many bombs a nation can drop. True strength is shown when a leader has the power to destroy but chooses the path that preserves life.

Stop Before the Whirlwind Comes

We are standing at the edge of something the world may not be able to reverse.

If Iran’s refineries burn, its electrical system collapses, Hormuz is further disrupted, Gulf energy installations are attacked, and regional water systems begin failing, the consequences will not be confined to a military battlefield. They will reach hospitals, farms, grocery stores, refugee camps, nursing homes, and the dinner tables of poor families around the world.

This is the hour to stop.

Stop the bombing.

Stop threatening civilian infrastructure.

Protect all operating nuclear power plants.

Return to the negotiating table.

Seek an agreement before retaliation produces another retaliation and one nation’s destruction becomes a worldwide calamity.

The LORD is not impressed by our missiles, aircraft carriers, military budgets, or boasts of overwhelming power. God sees the frightened child, the grieving mother, the wounded soldier, and the hungry family.

One day every ruler will answer to Him.

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
—Proverbs 14:34, KJV

My prayer is that President Trump will resist those calling for greater destruction and use this pause to pursue a genuine peace. My prayer is that Israel and Iran will step back from the edge. My prayer is that Christians will stop cheering for war and begin pleading for the lives of the innocent.

The pathway before us is plain. One road leads back to the negotiating table. The other leads toward darkness, hunger, famine, and graves.

Before the lights go out, before the water stops flowing, before the children begin starving, and before the whirlwind spreads across the earth, let us choose peace.

“And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
—Isaiah 2:4, KJV

The Cost of a War That Will Not End A Country Preacher’s Plea for Peace Before the World Pays an Even Greater Price

 There are times when a nation must look beyond tomorrow’s military objective and consider what its actions will cost the generations that follow. The continued war with Iran is one of those times.

This is not merely a conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Its consequences are already reaching farmers, truck drivers, factory workers, small businesses, and struggling families around the world. The longer this war continues, the greater the suffering will become.

Jesus said:

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost?”
—Luke 14:28, KJV

Before another bomb is dropped, another missile is launched, or another American servicemember is placed in danger, we had better sit down and count the cost.

The Strait of Hormuz Is the World’s Economic Lifeline

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping passages in the world. Before this conflict, approximately 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every day. That represented roughly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum consumption.

According to the International Energy Agency, shipments through the Strait fell from around 20 million barrels per day before the conflict to an average of approximately 2.7 million barrels per day during March, April, and May. The agency has described this as the largest oil-supply disruption in the history of the global petroleum market.

That is not political speculation. Those are measurable losses in the amount of oil reaching the world economy.

The Strait cannot be kept open merely by having American warships stationed nearby. A government may announce that a shipping lane is open, but tanker owners, insurance companies, captains, and crews must believe that it is safe enough to use.

A sailor cannot be ordered by a politician to ignore sea mines, missiles, drones, explosions, and burning ships. If insurance companies will not cover the voyage and tanker companies will not risk their crews and vessels, the oil will remain at the loading terminal.

We must understand something very important: military control is not the same as commercial confidence.

The Diesel Warning Must Be Taken Seriously

Shell CEO Wael Sawan recently acknowledged:

“The price signals are that we are short on diesel and gasoline.”

That statement does not prove that diesel rationing will begin tomorrow. It does prove that the global fuel market is already tight.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, American distillate inventories—which include diesel and heating oil—are approximately 10 percent below their five-year average for this time of year.

Diesel is not simply another fuel. It is the fuel that keeps much of the economy moving.

Diesel powers:

• Farm tractors and harvesting equipment

• Long-haul trucks delivering food and merchandise

• Construction machinery

• Trains and locomotives

• Emergency generators

• Mining and logging equipment

• Ships and industrial machinery

• Much of our military equipment

When diesel prices rise, the cost is not confined to the fuel pump. It is added to the price of nearly everything transported, planted, harvested, manufactured, or constructed.

The farmer pays more to plant and harvest the crop. The trucking company pays more to deliver it. The grocery store pays more to receive it. In the end, the struggling mother and father pay more to feed their children.

That is how a distant war enters the kitchen of an Indiana family.

The Danger Goes Far Beyond Fuel

The nations surrounding the Persian Gulf supply more than crude oil. The region is also important to the production and transportation of natural gas, fertilizer, plastics, chemicals, and industrial feedstocks.

A prolonged interruption can affect:

• Fertilizer needed by farmers

• Petrochemicals used to manufacture plastics

• Sulfur and other industrial chemicals

• Medical and manufacturing supplies

• Heating and electrical generation

• Food production and refrigeration

• Transportation and international shipping

When fertilizer becomes scarce or expensive, farmers may use less of it. When farmers use less fertilizer, crop yields may fall. When crop yields fall, food prices rise.

Wealthy countries may complain about inflation. Poor countries may face hunger.

That is what troubles me. America may survive higher fuel and grocery prices, although many American families will suffer greatly. But poorer nations do not have the same reserves, purchasing power, transportation systems, or government assistance.

For them, a prolonged energy crisis could mean empty shelves, unemployment, political unrest, migration, and starvation.

The Bible asks:

“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.”
—Proverbs 21:13, KJV

We cannot claim to value human life while refusing to consider the innocent people suffering because of decisions made in Washington, Tehran, and Jerusalem.

War Has Consequences Politicians Cannot Control

Government leaders often speak as though war can be carefully managed. They tell us the operation will be limited, the enemy will surrender, shipping will resume, and victory is just around the corner.

But war has a way of refusing to follow the plans of politicians.

The Bible says:

“For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”
—Hosea 8:7, KJV

Once a war begins, no leader can guarantee where it will end. One attack produces retaliation. Retaliation produces escalation. Escalation strikes infrastructure, closes shipping lanes, kills civilians, and draws additional nations into the conflict.

Bombing may destroy a target, but it cannot rebuild trust. Missiles may destroy a refinery, but they cannot harvest wheat. Warships may patrol a sea lane, but they cannot force commercial vessels to sail through dangerous waters.

Most importantly, military power cannot bring back the dead.

Every American casualty represents a family that will never be the same. Every Iranian child killed is also somebody’s son or daughter. God did not create American children in His image and forget the children born in Iran.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
—Matthew 5:9, KJV

Jesus did not say, “Blessed are the warmakers.” He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

We Must Not Confuse Restraint With Weakness

There will be those who say that seeking a negotiated settlement makes America look weak. I believe it takes more courage to stop a destructive war than it does to order another bombing mission.

Pride keeps wars going long after wisdom says they should end. Leaders become afraid that negotiation will make them appear defeated. As a result, thousands of ordinary people may be sacrificed to protect the pride and reputation of a handful of powerful men.

The Word of God warns us:

“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”
—Proverbs 13:10, KJV

A wise leader does not ask only, “How can we hurt the enemy?” A wise leader also asks:

• How can we stop the killing?

• How can we protect our servicemembers?

• How can we restore commercial shipping?

• How can we prevent worldwide hunger?

• How can we keep this conflict from becoming an even greater war?

That is not surrender. That is statesmanship.

My Appeal to President Trump

In my opinion, President Trump should be searching for every reasonable way to resolve this war instead of sending messages centered upon how Iran can be hurt.

Hurting Iran will not be confined to Iranian government officials. Continued attacks will hurt ordinary Iranians, American servicemembers, Gulf nations, farmers, truck drivers, manufacturers, and families who have no voice in these decisions.

It is easy to send an email. It is easy to make a threat. It is easy to speak boldly when someone else must do the fighting, someone else’s child must die, and someone else’s family must pay the grocery bill.

The responsibility of the president is not merely to demonstrate American firepower. It is to protect the American people, exercise sound judgment, and pursue peace whenever peace remains possible.

President Trump should appoint credible negotiators, work through neutral nations, seek enforceable protection for commercial shipping, and establish a path toward de-escalation. Every available diplomatic door should be tried before this war takes more lives and inflicts greater damage upon the world.

The Bible declares:

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
—Proverbs 16:7, KJV

Count the Cost Before It Is Too Late

I am not saying that worldwide collapse is certain. I am saying the danger is real enough that no responsible leader should dismiss it.

The verified facts already show:

• A historic disruption in Gulf oil shipments

• Tight supplies of diesel and gasoline

• Below-average American distillate inventories

• Increased danger to commercial tankers

• Pressure upon fuel, fertilizer, transportation, and food costs

• A growing risk of inflation and recession if the conflict continues

No one can honestly predict every consequence of a prolonged war. That uncertainty is itself a reason for caution.

America does not need more boasting. We need wisdom.

We do not need leaders trying to prove how much pain they can inflict. We need leaders asking how much suffering they can prevent.

We do not need another generation of young men and women returning home in flag-draped coffins from a war that politicians promised would be short and victorious.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
—Romans 12:18, KJV

Notice that Paul did not say peace would always be easy. He said that, as much as lies within us, we must pursue it.

The time has come to count the cost. The time has come to put pride aside. The time has come to search seriously for a way out of this war.

There is still an opportunity to choose negotiation over escalation, commerce over destruction, and life over death. But that opportunity will not remain open forever.

“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”
—Psalm 34:14, KJV

May God give our leaders enough humility to seek peace, enough courage to pursue it, and enough wisdom to recognize it before the whole world pays a price that never needed to be paid.