A Crash, Strikes, and Rumors

Washington’s war with Tehran is showing no signs of slowing.

Thursday, six American service members died when their KC-135 (a plane that refuels other planes midair) collided with another aircraft in “friendly airspace” in Iraq. The other plane landed safely, and an investigation is underway.

Also in Iraq, an Iran-backed militia took responsibility for a retaliatory drone attack on the U.S. Embassy following an attack that reportedly wounded the militia’s leader. No Americans were hurt, but the embassy urged all citizens to leave Iraq. 

As missiles continue to fly, rumors are swirling about Iran’s new Supreme Leader, who hasn’t been seen publicly since taking his father’s place. Secretary Hegseth suggested Ayatollah Khamenei is “likely disfigured,” and Saturday, President Trump questioned whether he’s alive. Iran maintains there’s “no problem” with its leader.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
The darkness of death weighs heavily on our hearts and our world. But believers have hope—Emmanuel is present with us in the darkness, and our Living God has removed the sting of death so that it’s powerless against those who love Him. 

“‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work.”
1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (CSB) (read full passage)