Before and behind

This morning as I was praying for the masses who are fleeing ISIS terrorist, an image came to mind of another group of terrified people who were fleeing a brutal overlord. The Israelites had a sea in front of them and their terrorists behind them. Their situation was impossible. Yes, the army that was pursuing them was a group of terrorists; they had the clear goal of terrorizing and destroying the Israelites, so I use the term quite accurately.

The families that have scooped up their little ones, thrown together carts for the older ones and fled for their lives have nothing to go back to. Their homes and businesses have been shattered by war. While the Israelites could look in the distance behind them and see their enemy, these people are fully aware that the enemy may have infiltrated their ranks. They live in constant terror, wondering just who they can trust. Ahead of them, they hope to find a way to safety and freedom. In many cases, North America is not that place. A sea of rhetoric tells them that their lives are not worth the risk.

Am I suggesting for one minute that we do not care for our veterans and the homeless children in our own country? Am I really that horrible? Not for a second! I am suggesting that we dare to care, even a little bit, for the masses whose lives have been ripped apart by ISIS. Those of us who pray can start by praying. Of course, that comes with a fair warning. We might be called to actually do something; for the refugees, for the veterans (regardless of our view on war), for the children in our neighbourhood who are being abused and starved, for the addict on the street and for our own family members who get under our skin. Will we be hurt? Maybe. Likely. Did God call us to comfort?

Will we at least stand before and behind them with prayer?