“He answered and said to them, ‘When it is evening you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red”; and in the morning, “It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.” Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.’” — Matthew 16:2–3

A Moment of Mixed Emotions

Praise God—twenty Israeli hostages have been returned alive. We give thanks for every life spared and pray for their healing. Yet alongside this moment of relief comes deep sorrow: Israel also received the body parts of hostages who died under brutal Palestinian captivity. It is a grim reminder of the evil that has once again shown its face against God’s covenant people.

The Deal That Defies Reason

What do the Palestinians receive in return? A so-called new country—a Palestinian state—armed, financed, and protected by Israel’s enemies. Under the guise of a “peacekeeping coalition,” nations like Turkey and a coalition of Arab armies will occupy Gaza, “to maintain peace,” while being armed to the teeth.

To make matters worse, the arrangement places President Trump as head of a new “Board of Peace,” and proposes making half of Jerusalem the capital of this fantasy nation of Palestine. This isn’t peace. It’s deception—crafted in the flesh and fueled by spiritual blindness.

The Illusion of Peace

Daniel 8:25

And through his policy also he shall cause deceit to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by using peace shall destroy many. He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes, but he shall be broken without raising a hand.

The world applauds this as “historic.” But God’s Word tells us exactly what this is: “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)

Man’s peace is a mirage. It promises security but breeds destruction. There can be no lasting peace until the Prince of Peace Himself returns. Until then, every diplomatic “solution” that divides Israel’s land and undermines God’s covenant will fail.

Qatar, Turkey, and the Coalition of Evil

While this so-called peace plan unfolds, Qatar—long accused of financing terrorism, sheltering Hamas leaders, and funding the Muslim Brotherhood—has been elevated to ally status. A Qatari military facility is being built on U.S. soil at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. This is the same Qatar that bankrolls indoctrination programs in American universities and underwrites radical Islamist causes worldwide.

Turkey, openly hostile to Israel, is also being positioned as a “peace enforcer.” The deception is complete when the world calls evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20).

Discernment wins the day. The trajectory isn’t peace—it’s war. Every prophetic sign points in that direction.

The Real Target: Jerusalem

This is what it’s always been about. The nations can talk of “peace,” “security,” and “justice,” but their true goal is Jerusalem—the heart of Israel, the city of where the Lord Jesus will sit on David’s throne.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples… a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces.” (Zechariah 12:2–3)

From Genesis to Revelation, the conflict over this tiny piece of land has always been spiritual. Satan knows that the return of Christ is tied to Israel’s restoration and Jerusalem’s deliverance (Zechariah 14:4). Every coalition, every negotiation that weakens Israel’s sovereignty is a strike against God’s plan—but it will fail.

America’s Sinister Manipulation

Joel 3:2

‘I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land.’

America speaks out of both sides of her mouth. One side proclaims “unbreakable support for Israel,” while the other issues threats: “You better not annex Judea and Samaria.” This is manipulation, not friendship. It’s the same pattern we’ve seen for decades—empty assurances wrapped in political pressure.

Judea and Samaria are not America’s to divide or negotiate. They are the heartland of the Jewish people, the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob forever (Genesis 17:7–8). The nations that touch this land will answer to God (Joel 3:2).

The Call for Discernment

Jesus warned the religious leaders of His day for failing to discern the signs of the times. That same blindness grips the world now. Politicians and preachers alike have lost their spiritual bearings, embracing alliances and ideologies that defy Scripture.

True believers must not be swept away by headlines or party loyalty. Our allegiance is to the truth of God’s Word, not to personalities or political coalitions. The coalition of evil forming before our eyes will not bless Israel—it will betray her.

The Hope We Hold

Though deception fills the earth, God’s promises stand. Israel will not be destroyed. The same Lord who scattered her will gather her again in faith and glory. The nations will rage, but God’s plan will prevail (Psalm 2:1–4).

Christ is coming. He alone will bring peace to Jerusalem. Until then, we watch, pray, and discern.

A Prayer for Wisdom and Steadfastness

Heavenly Father we come to you with thankfulness and in Jesus name— grant us discernment in these perilous times. Keep our hearts and minds anchored in Your Word, not in the false peace offered by men. You have commanded us to pray for those in authority, and so we lift up President Donald J. Trump—asking that You grant him humility, wisdom, and courage to seek Your will above all else. Strengthen us, Lord, to be steadfast and bold—true ambassadors for Christ—unashamed of the gospel of the grace of God, and faithful until You call us home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.