US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the families of US-Israeli hostages Itay Chen and Omer Neutra and said the United States will not rest until Hamas returns every remaining body from Gaza. Under the current cease-fire, the last twenty living hostages were released on October 13. The remains of fifteen murdered hostages have been returned. Thirteen bodies are still being held. After a terror attack in Rafah killed two Israeli soldiers, the IDF carried out strikes while leaders worked to keep the truce in place.
Friends of Israel are active in Jerusalem. JD Vance prayed at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and met with Israeli leaders. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner returned to help keep Hamas from rebuilding. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will decide its own security. After Knesset members introduced bills to annex parts of the West Bank this week, US leaders quickly said no. President Donald Trump warned Israel would lose US backing if it annexed, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move would undercut the fragile cease-fire. The picture is clear. Israel seeks real safety, not headlines. True allies want choices that keep support strong and terror weak.
As the door opens
This is not just news. It looks like a door is opening.
“These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” — Revelation 3:7, NIV
Israeli families still wait for word for return of their deceased loved ones. Soldiers still guard borders. We can hold joy and sorrow at the same time and still speak truth. Hamas chose violence and wants to rebuild. Israel must protect her people and make sure terror does not rise again.
Meanwhile at home, New York City looks ready to elect a mayor with the harshest anti-Israel and antisemitic record in memory. How can this be? Let us keep a hedge of protection around New York’s Jewish communities and make our voices heard. “The Lord will keep you from all harm; he will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” — Psalm 121:7–8, NIV
Make room for His presence
The Bible shows what to do when God is near. In 2 Kings 4, a woman in Shunem saw the prophet Elisha pass by and chose to make room for the presence of God.
“One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, ‘I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let us make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.’” — 2 Kings 4:8–10, NIV
Her welcome opened the door to a miracle. That is our pattern to follow right now. Make room for God. Watch and pray. Keep a soft heart and clear words. Ask a simple question. Did our leaders make room for peace so God could work or did they make room for God so His peace could enter. When leaders clear space for safety, truth, and unity, God can write a story only He can write.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” — Romans 12:9, NIV
Today’s Prayer
Lord of Hosts, we believe You are moving. Hold the cease-fire where it protects life. Bring every hostage home and return every body with honor. Strengthen the families of Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, and all who still wait. Give wisdom and courage to Prime Minister Netanyahu, to Secretary Rubio, to JD Vance, and to all who work to restrain evil and advance truth. Stop Hamas from regrouping. Keep Israel strong and safe. Place a hedge of protection around New York’s Jewish communities, and let righteous leadership rise. Teach us to make room for Your presence, to pray with faith, and to speak with love and clarity. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’” — Psalm 122:6, NIV. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
