June 3, 2026

Our president, not known for modesty said, four and half months ago, “I can say with certainty that it is the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.” He was referring to the newly formed Board of Peace. This organization which so far, includes 27 countries was designed to provide oversight for how the just signed peace agreement between Israel and Hamas would be put into place. The goals were ambitious. Nations of the world would come together to rebuild Gaza with stunning buildings and provide economic opportunities so that this area of need would become a people of production and prosperity. Do you think anything will come of this? I certainly have no idea. A major problem is that Israel and Hamas won’t stop fighting one another. How do you get people to live in peace who keep fighting?

Regularly we hear that we are on the verge of signing a peace agreement with Iran. But “we” is complicated and so is Iran. “We” are USA and Israel. We launched this war together. Meanwhile, Hezbollah in Lebanon, with links to Iran, keeps attacking Israel who keeps attacking back. Iran, who has several factions vying for control of that country does not appear to be able to get all of their people on the same page either. So let me summarize:

USA is trying to make peace with Iran.

Iran demands Israel stop fighting Hezbollah.

Iran cannot or does not stop Hezbollah from firing on Israel.

USA cannot get Israel to stop firing back.

Iran cannot or does not stop its own forces from firing on our forces or neighbors.

The Prime Minister of Israel has some serious issues to deal with in his own country.

The President of the USA has some serious issues to deal with in his country too.

Peace, is that brief moment in time when everyone stops to reload their guns. (That is not original to me.)

I appreciate the desires of the Board of Peace. Realistically, the nations of the world could pool their funds to rebuild Gaza but stunning skyscrapers full of condos, apartments, parks and amenities would likely be targets for the next generation of missiles. Peace is so beautiful but so rare. We struggle in our own relationships to resolve matters, how much greater is this in our world?

At the end of the Bible, we read, “The Spirit and the Bride (the Church) say, ‘Come.’” (Rev. 22:17) The people of God in harmony with the Spirit ask Jesus to come. We live in an unsustainable setting. We cannot fix this on our own. We need you to come and take over what rightfully belongs to you. In response, Jesus says, “Surely I am coming soon.” To which we say, “Amen, Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)

Grace and PEACE,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: Luke 20:1-8