New news, same scripture.

Let’s jump into this week’s top stories!

On Wednesday, the U.S. sent Iran a 15-point ceasefire plan, via Pakistani intermediaries, calling for a temporary halt to fighting, the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program with zero enrichment, limits on ballistic missiles, and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open in exchange for sanctions relief.

President Trump claimed indirect talks were productive, with Iran “wanting a deal so badly” and a possible summit in Pakistan on the horizon. Tehran flatly dismissed the proposal as “unreasonable” and “excessive,” insisting the US was “negotiating with itself.” Iran instead issued its own five conditions: 1) an immediate end to all attacks, 2) security guarantees, 3) war reparations, 4) regional de-escalation and 5) complete control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is deploying roughly 1,000–3,000 troops from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East as part of a broader military buildup, to support potential contingencies like securing shipping lanes.

On Sunday night, an Air Canada Express jet was landing at Laguardia Airport when it collided with a Port Authority fire truck on the runway. The fire truck crossing the runway was responding to a separate emergency. Tragically, this crash injured 40+ people and took the lives of both the pilot and co-pilot of the jet.

The incident is currently being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Reports on what led to the crash have been disputed with some saying the command tower was understaffed. However, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that the tower is “very well staffed” and that the rumor of only one controlling being int he tower at the time of the collision is “not accurate.”

America’s workers are become increasingly pessimistic about the job market.

A new Gallup poll shows that “For the first time since Gallup began tracking the life evaluation of the U.S. workforce, more workers report struggling in their lives (49%) than thriving (46%).” The poll also showed that only 28% of workers say now is a good time to find a job.

Although America’s unemployment rate sits around 4.4%, the labor market has steadily slowed. Employers announced over 108,000 job cuts in January and the economy unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs in February. Many workers are feeling stuck and without many good options.

It’s important to note that it’s not just the job market feeling this pain. The economy at large is hurting, including the housing and stock markets.

Luke 12:51-53 “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

These verses have always stuck out to me. It seemed like such a harsh message coming from Jesus - the One who came to unite and love, not to condemn and separate.

Although Jesus comes bringing the greatest message of love and truth, mercy and forgiveness, sacrifice and blessing, He also comes with a message of division. But why does He do this?

He speaks of division in this sense to separate His followers from the rest of the world. He knows that the message He brings will bring division, but this is not an unnecessary division but a necessary one. Jesus knows that this message is so powerful and life changing that it can be co-opted by people who don’t have His interests in mind.

So, yes, the Church must be unified. But this unity is conditional, not unconditional. The Church should never unite with the world when it goes against God’s explicit moral commands, endorses sin, or perverts the Gospel. Instead, we’re called to spread truth, faithfully, until He calls us home.

So, while Yes the Church should be unified within itself, it must be absolutely divided and divorced from the world lest it be co-opted. If the world wants what the Church has, then it must accept the teachings of Jesus, not the other way around. John 14:6 says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (emphasis mine).

In a time of great uncertainty (politically, economically, militarily, and more) Christians must stay rooted in the truth of God’s word. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Even in the midst of turbulent times, God continually works out His eternal plan of salvation and redemption.

Father, bless our week ahead. I ask, Lord, that even when the stressors of this world run rampant in our minds, that we would be reminded of your word. I thank you, Lord, for your provision and protection. Father, guide the reader this week as they look to your word in their time of need. Help us to walk in deeper communion with you, each and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.