"The Peace President", Prophecy, and Israel

The world is celebrating the long-awaited potential release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas. It has been over 730 days since the horrific terror of October 7th. Now, we may finally see the remaining 48 hostages returned. Sadly, only a handful of them will be returned alive. I am praying and rejoicing for every life that is rescued. These are mothers, sons, fathers, and daughters who were tragically caught in the middle of a demonic war and used as pawns against Israel. 

While the media praises backdoor negotiations and photo ops, and while a certain President rushes to claim the title of “Peacemaker,” I want to highlight three prophetic red flags that cannot be ignored: 

1. We Must Not Legitimize Terror 

Hamas is not a government or even a legitimate political entity. Hamas is a genocidal terrorist organization sponsored by terrorist states that demonically hate Israel and the West. They are not “freedom fighters,” as some in the liberal media and progressive circles have shamelessly claimed. They are butchers who carried out the most savage slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust. Hamas has the goal of the total annihilation of Israel and the Jewish people. It is written into their charter.

So when world leaders treat Hamas as an equal “negotiating party” with the government of Israel, we are not pursuing peace but giving credence to evil. We are prolonging terror and purporting evil that will return to the streets of Israel again. We are legitimizing hostage-taking as a political tool and empowering continual antisemitism against Israel. 

This is more than a geopolitical problem. This is a moral crisis and spiritual blindness at a global level. It is prophetic stage-setting on full display. The Church must see these events and proclaim that time is short. Hear the words of the prophet Isaiah, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…” (Isaiah 5:20- ESV).

2. There Is Only One Prince of Peace 

While I’m grateful for any progress for Israel's hostages and her overall safety, I am deeply concerned when President Trump takes upon himself the title of “The Peace President.” I have openly supported President Trump, and I respect many of his policies that protect religious freedom, defend Israel, and strengthen our military. However, he is not a messiah; this peace is tenuous and temporary at best. We lift high the name of Jesus Christ, who is the only One worthy of praise, and He is the only One who can bring true and lasting peace. 

When Trump or any world leader makes self-exalting claims about peace deals, believers should pause with tremendous caution. Does his claim to the title "The Peace President" mean that he is the Antichrist? No, I believe he does not fit the prophetic description of this man to come, but that does not relieve my caution. This "peace" may be the setup for the peace that precedes the Ezekiel 38 war. As Paul wrote: “While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3 ESV). 

Peace is a seductive promise in a chaotic world. I am grateful when bloodshed ceases, but when a man uses peace as a political bargaining chip or a messianic claim, it becomes part of the deception warned about in Scripture. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: “My focus will be on securing the return of hostages, finding ways to make sure humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas.” Let's pray this occurs, but withhold the applause for deals that empower terrorists or inflate egos. Any peace plan that overlooks the demonic roots of Hamas is built on sand.

3.  Israel Is Still God’s Clock 

We must always remember that Israel is the epicenter of Bible prophecy. God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remains in effect. The Jewish people are the centerpiece of God’s unfolding redemptive plan, and we are watching the convergence of biblical prophecy, especially related to Israel. The Church must wake up to this truth. 

Israel and Jerusalem are the epicenter of a greater spiritual war that has raged for centuries. The hostages, the Temple Mount, and even Gaza matter when seen and understood biblically. These events point to the quickly decreasing countdown clock of God’s prophetic timeline. “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples” (Zechariah 12:2a ESV).

My friend Olivier Melnick puts it this way: “There’s currently no place but Israel that is safe for the Jewish people.” This is a spiritual truth that the Church can no longer ignore. Olivier continues: “We need to wake up the Christian Church right now. … The Jews are going to need them.” Church, this is your call to wake up, speak up, and stand with Israel politically, prophetically, biblically, and spiritually. 

Final Thought: Don’t Be Fooled 

The call for believers in this hour is simple but urgent: do not be deceived. Do not get swept up in the headlines or get numbed by the noise, the grandstanding, and the political rhetoric. Do not listen to those who are openly antisemitic. Most importantly, do not place your hope in any man, government, or ideology. There is only One who can bring justice to the nations, peace to Jerusalem, and hope to the human heart. His name is Jesus the Messiah. Put your hope and your eternity squarely in His hands. Stay alert, stay grounded in the Word, and keep your eyes on Israel. 

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!” (Psalm 122:6 ESV).