On that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians.  On that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, ‘Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my heritage.’”—Isaiah 19:23-24

There is not much I can add to this, friends.  Isaiah prophesies that the lands now containing Egypt and other parts of North Africa, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Israel, and other parts of the Middle East, will all be blessed by God.  The peoples therein will freely move about in each other’s lands, and they will be a blessing in the midst of the earth.

Today we see genocide, colonialism, State violence, despotism, terror, and religious fundamentalism on the part of leaders in these places.  Some of the worst atrocities in human history are being committed by the Israeli government, the Syrian government, and the Islamic State.  Western governments add their own arsenals to the mix, murdering thousands under the guise of protection and aid.  These modern nation states seem to be at war with each other perpetually.  The consequence of all of this is massive loss of human life, culture, and hope.

And yet, Isaiah prophesies.  I see hope in this prophecy because I see hope in the people who stood up and said, wrote, painted, and sang, “Ash-shab yurid isqat an-niazam—The people want the fall of the regime!”  I see hope in this prophecy because I see hope in Israeli and Palestinian citizens who challenge their governments and choose seek peace with each other no matter what.  I see hope in this prophecy because I see hope in the resilience of communities that have been under constant warfare for decades.  I see hope in this prophecy because I see hope in the people of these lands, who survive and thrive in spite of the horrors inflicted by the powers that be.  I see hope in this prophecy because I see hope in a God who would become incarnate as the Prince of Peace.  

It would be hard for anyone to say that this prophecy has come to pass.   The power of the people will prevail, though.  Let us pray AND act for the fulfillment of this prophecy with every resource and creative idea that we have.  Let us challenge the complicity of our own contexts so that the way may be made clear for the people whose power must prevail!  

"Jesus called the Twelve together and he gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal sicknesses. 2 He sent them out to proclaim God’s kingdom and to heal the sick. 3 He told them, “Take nothing for the journey—no walking stick, no bag, no bread, no money, not even an extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. 5 Wherever they don’t welcome you, as you leave that city, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.” 6 They departed and went through the villages proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere." Luke 9:1-6