World news and commentary: November 2025

Fingerprints in the sand

A recent archaeological discovery in Jerusalem has caused a stir by giving a possible connection to a biblical figure. The artifact is only the size of a nickel.

This past summer, researchers with the Temple Mount Sifting Project found and quickly deciphered a seal (or bulla) with the words “Belonging to Yeda’yah (son of) Asayahu.”¹ The seal was discovered in sand and dirt taken from the Temple Mount, and it may have a connection to King Josiah, the last good king of Judah before the Babylonian captivity. The Bible states that King Josiah had a trusted advisor whom he sent, along with others, on a special mission to the prophetess Huldah. The official’s name was Asayahu (or Asaiah; see 2 Kings 22:12). The seal may have belonged to his son. The seal was used to mark and secure a bag or storage container, likely for food or oil. Most surprisingly, the fingerprint of the original owner can still be seen on the backside! Seals such as this were not made for your everyday Israelite. This must have belonged to someone with clout and connections. Researchers have also concluded that the artifact dates from the late seventh to the sixth century B.C.—the same time frame as the biblical figure.

The location of this seal’s discovery paints a possible picture of the days leading up to the Babylonian captivity, when food and resources were centralized on the Temple Mount. One can imagine a jar or container bearing this seal and then being cast aside as the people, young and old, rich and poor, were eating and drinking whatever scraps were left. Then, Babylon’s army breached the walls, and God’s judgment fell on the people of Judah. They were taken into exile.

Sometimes skeptics call the Bible a book of myths and fables. But every so often the Lord has a way of reminding people that our faith is rooted in historical fact, and the scoffs of the skeptics are silenced for a time. Archaeology deals only with physical remnants and can be a helpful reminder of God’s action in history. No matter what is found in the sand, though, the Savior’s fingerprints are still all over the cross. For that spiritual certainty, we look to the Word.

Hope amid tragedy

On Sept. 10, 2025, an assassin’s bullet took the life of Charlie Kirk while he was speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. If you didn’t know about Kirk before this, you have undoubtedly heard about him since. His murder in front of a live audience of about 3,000 people and the subsequent videos of it posted online have shaken our society.

Kirk was known as a strong supporter of President Donald Trump and of conservative values. He was also not ashamed to declare his faith in Jesus and to defend Christian truth. Charlie Kirk lived to debate the “hot topics” of our current political and religious landscape.

His death has appeared to galvanize the resolve of many people. Of particular interest to us as Lutherans is the way his death has seemed to inspire spiritual introspection and engagement. According to recent reports,² some churches have noticed an increase in weekly attendance in the wake of Kirk’s assassination, especially among young people. It remains to be seen where this will lead and what it all means for our society.

Meanwhile, we continue to pray for the United States and her leaders. We pray for God’s grace to continue transforming even heinous acts of evil into blessings for his people (Romans 8:28). We pray that “the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). Society may be shaking, but those who hope in the Lord have nothing to fear.