U.S. kindness in troubled region.

Iran and the U.S. are “rattling sabers” once again in the Persian Gulf.  Tightened sanctions on Iran have resulted in military exercises and threats of retaliation if the U.S. brought its carrier group back to the gulf (which it has now done).  An Iranian general recently warned, “I recommend and emphasize to the American carrier not to return to the Persian Gulf… we are not in the habit of warning more than once” (National Post, January 6, 2012).

Amid the escalating tensions, the U.S. carrier strike group received an SOS from an Iranian fishing boat that had been captured by pirates.  U.S. forces mounted a rescue, saving 13 Iranian sailors held captive for the last 40-45 days.  “They were held hostage, with limited rations, and we believe were forced against their will to assist the pirates with other piracy operations,” observed a U.S. Navy investigator.  The released Iranian hostages were deeply grateful to their U.S. rescuers.

Despite threats and lack of Iranian cooperation, it is encouraging to see kindness and humanity demonstrated by U.S. military forces.  God prophesied that through the descendants of Isaac, “all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 26:4).

One day soon, the god of this age will be removed as Christ’s righteous government fills the earth, and all human beings will be taught to practice godly ways that will ultimately lead to real peace!