Out of the ashes
We believe the Holocaust touches something deep in God’s heart. He is not cold or uncompassionate but grieves with us when we lose a loved one. He identifies with our loss and pain. How much more so when it comes to the Holocaust – when 6 million Jews were systematically murdered by the Nazis.
Psalm 102 is a description of terrible suffering that could be applied to the Holocaust, but in the midst of this psalm we read:
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favour to her; the appointed time has come. (Verse 13 NIV)
On 14 May 1948, exactly 3 years after the end of WW2 and after nearly 2000 years in exile, Israel was re-established as a nation against incredible odds. The appointed time had come for God to arise and show favour to His people by restoring them to their land.
Weeping may last for a night but joy comes in the morning. Death is followed by resurrection. Out of the ashes of the Holocaust Israel was born.