Prayers and news for August
Does Genesis 28:13–14 Justify Israel’s Current Treatment of the Palestinians?
Recent scripture passages in the Jacob series have raised concerns for those of us who are aware of the Israeli settler violence towards Palestinians living in the West Bank. These settlers use Scriptures such as Genesis 28: 13-14 to validate their violence.
The Hebrew Scriptures themselves provide the lens through which Genesis 28 might be read. Alongside God's promises to Israel stand repeated calls to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8), to welcome the stranger, defend the vulnerable, and seek righteousness in the land. The covenant with Abraham and Jacob was always intended to bring blessing to "all the families of the earth" (Genesis 28:14), not to sanction injustice toward others. For that reason, MICAH believes Genesis 28 cannot be used to justify the mistreatment of Palestinians or any other people.
It is also important to recognize what Genesis 28 does not say. It does not address modern political borders, military conflicts, settlements, or the treatment of Palestinians. Those issues must be evaluated in light of the whole of Scripture, including God’s repeated commands to pursue justice, protect the vulnerable, and seek peace.
The New Testament broadens our understanding of God’s covenant. Paul writes, “So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith” (Galatians 3:9). Later in the same chapter he explains that those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29). Through faith in Christ, Gentile believers are welcomed into God’s covenant family. The life and ministry of Jesus embodies God's reconciling love and calls his followers to love their neighbors, seek peace, and care for the vulnerable. Whether one approaches these texts from Jewish or Christian perspectives, Scripture consistently points beyond violence and domination toward justice, mercy, and peace.
News from The Shepherd Society
Partnership Launched to Bring a Lifesaving Ambulance to Beit Sahour Bethlehem Bible College/Shepherd Society signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Municipality of Beit Sahour to launch a campaign aimed at purchasing and equipping a fully outfitted ambulance to serve the residents of Beit Sahour and its surrounding communities. This initiative reflects the College’s and the Shepherd Society’s ongoing commitment to serving the community and strengthening healthcare and humanitarian services, helping to improve emergency response to urgent medical and humanitarian cases.
The father of the Ibrahem family, that MICAH/Northfield UMC helps support, has multiple myeloma, a form of cancer. This ambulance may be especially appreciated by him and his family. They live in Beit Sahour, which is next to Bethlehem.
The Shepherd Society supports families in need via seven different relief programs: job creation, food parcel distribution, in-kind contributions of clothing, health kits, food, and much more…, medical aid, school tuition assistance, utility costs, family sponsorships.
A PRAYER FROM MICAH
A report from Wall Street Journal reveals that Israel has allocated more than $700 million in 2026 to influence global opinion and counter its worsening image abroad. The campaign extends beyond traditional conservative media. A group called Show Faith by Works filed documents describing plans to target approximately four million megachurch members and Christian university students in the southwestern United States.
God of truth, in the face of injustice, empower communities of faith to bear truthful witness, resisting propaganda with integrity and solidarity. May the Church never become an instrument of empire, but a faithful witness to Christ, who stood with the oppressed and proclaimed good news to the poor. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
What is a boycott?
Read about how Global Denomination United Methodist Church (UMC) Leads Divestment from Bonds of Israel and Other Occupying Governments
NUMC is an apartheid-free congregation. MICAH supports peaceful and intentional efforts to make a meaningful impact on apartheid actions in Palestine/Israel and Israel’s oppression of Palestinians. Boycotting is the intentional and overt choice to withhold support commercially for companies and enterprises that financially support or gain from Israel’s apartheid state. In future Herald articles, watch for ways church members can take meaningful steps toward dismantling Israel's oppressive actions toward the Palestinians.