April 9, 2026
This week has been a lot (to say the least)…
Let’s jump in and inform it with scripture.
Table of Contents
Real News
US-Iran Come to Ceasefire Agreement
On Sunday, April 5, President Trump President Trump threatened to blow up massive Iranian infrastructure, like power plants and bridges, on Tuesday (April 7), if Iran did not open the Strait of Hormuz. He gave the regime an 8pm ET deadline.
On Early Tuesday morning, President Trump escalated the situation by saying “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will… We will find out tonight…”
As tensions grew throughout the day, Pakistan mediated conversations between the US and Iran, pushing the two sides to at least come to a temporary agreement. Hours before the deadline, President Trump announced a two week double-sided ceasefire while both sides negotiate. As of late, the President said conversations are going well.
Timeless Truth
If this week has made anything clear, its that a world without God can go from peace to war in an instant. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 reminds us that “While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” In a world without God, nothing is for certain.
This situation remains extremely delicate, which makes the words that are said by all parties involved that much more valuable. A calm word could ease tensions and bring peace, but a harsh one will stir anger and possibly prolong the conflict. Proverbs 15:1 states “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
We must pray that the leaders of both countries would come to terms on a peace agreement (Jeremiah 29:7). We must pray that all parties involved would be slow to speak and would keep from harsh words so that a real solution can come from this conflict (James 1:19-20). We must pray that our leaders would proceed with wisdom so that no more innocent lives would be lost (Proverbs 11:14).
US Military Rescue Downed Airman in Iran
On April 3, two US Airmen were shot down over southwest Iran by a surface to air missile. Both crew members successfully ejected, but became separated.
The pilot was rescued within hours by US helicopters amid heavy fire. The second airman, injured, evaded capture for over 24 hours, hiding in a rocky mountain crevice while providing intel on Iranian positions.
The operation to rescue the airmen involved over 150 aircraft, special forces, strikes to suppress Iranian troops, and CIA coordination. On Sunday, the US extracted the airman in a raid deep within enemy territory.
Timeless Truth
John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” It was incredibly sacrificial and righteous for the soldiers and military personnel who risked their lives to go and save these airmen. This is a demonstration of true love for a brother during a time of need. How can you demonstrate love for one of your brothers or sisters in Christ this week?
Scripture reminds us that even in times of immense danger, God is always with us (Psalm 139:7-8). He watches over us, protects us, provides for us (Isaiah 41:10 & Psalm 46:1). He never leaves us nor does He forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8).
We must pray that the soldiers would continue to recover from their injuries (Psalm 147:3) and that the soldiers would continue to be kept safe as they wade into uncertain territory (Psalm 121:7-8). We must pray that God would give them wisdom for every mission they embark on (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Trump’s Statements Spark Controversy
The President has released a handful of statements lately: some that have made Christians proud and some that have sparked much controversy.
On Good Friday, the President released a video where he honored Christ, Easter, the resurrection, and gave a full Gospel presentation.
On Easter Sunday, the President released a statement towards Iran that had awful language in it. This, understandably so, made many Christians upset since the President was recently proclaiming the Gospel.
On Tuesday (April 7), the President said that if Iran did not open up the Strait of Hormuz “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.” This statement sent the world into a frenzy before the ceasefire went into place.
Timeless Truth
The President’s statements are especially concerning, considering his recent explanation of the Gospel. Ecclesiastes 5:2 tells us how important it is to be careful with our words.
Scripture repeatedly tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21) The tongue is a tool, it can be used for immense good or immense evil.
Its incredibly important that we are precise with our language. The President’s statements on Tuesday left a lot of questions: did he mean he was going to kill many civilians or just destroy infrastructure? While we understand he didn’t mean that he was going to kill civilians, that wasn’t explicitly clarified in his statement.
Those that are in positions of power have a greater responsibility that they carry a greater burden of responsibility than most (Luke 12:48). Words from a leader hold weight and they must be used responsibly.
We must pray that the Trump Administration would continue to make courageous and wise decisions (Proverbs 11:14). We must pray that President Trump would realize the power of his words and use them to bring peace, not confusion (Proverbs 12:18). We must pray that the Trump Administration would continue carrying out righteous policies for the betterment of our nation (Proverbs 14:34).
Behind the Feed
I recently watched the Passion of the Christ for the first time this weekend and it wrecked me… but it also taught me a lot.
For those who haven’t seen it, I highly recommend that you do. The film does a great job at showcasing what Jesus endured in His persecution and death, so that He could wash away the sins of the world.
The film showed what true love really means, not our western understanding of it. We often see love as buying gifts and “buying hearts”, but these things are far from the complete picture of love we find in Christ.
Jesus had all the power. He had every opportunity to stop what He endured. He could’ve called down angels from heaven, but He didn’t because He understood that His suffering and dying was the only thing that would wash away our sins. This is love: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Love isn’t about empty words or gestures, but about laying down your life for someone. It was love that led Him to endure that punishment in our place and it was love that kept Him on that cross.
Stay up to date
🎙️ Tucker Carlson (wrongly) says Christianity is Socialist at its core…
🇺🇸 President Trump shares the Gospel??
🔎 Really good breakdown on how to view the President’s recents statements
✝️ Downed airman’s first message over radio was “God is good”
🕵️♀️ The CIA used never before seen tech called “Ghost Murmur” to find the downed airman
🛰️ Artemis II captures first pictures of “Earthset”
Final Exhortation
The noise this week has been incredibly loud. From the President sharing the Gospel to days later putting out statements that all Christians should criticize, to the war in Iran coming to a temporary halt, there has been a lot to take in. Let John 16:33 be an encouragement to us as we process the circumstances that surround us: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Father, I thank you for this week. I ask, Lord, that you would guide the reader through the complex headlines that they have faced this past week. I thank you, Father, for equipping us with Your word which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. I pray that the reader would remember your promise to keep us steady when everything around us is shaky. In Jesus’ name, Amen.