OPINION:
Our attention is currently localized on the turmoil in the Middle East, specifically in light of the ongoing two-sided attacks between Israel and Iran, resulting in Israel’s vow of response and Iran’s call for restraint.
As the world waits to see how Israel will respond, we must ask ourselves what our own response should be.
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Iran vs. The Islamic Republic of Iran
Whether we have been “standing with Israel” or “advocating for Iran,” we must adjust our focus to God, leaving behind any semblance of idolatry for any political or social beliefs. Why? Because the Bible compels us to do so.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” – Matthew 5:43-44
SEE ALSO: Missionary details ‘supernatural miraculous’ conversions happening in Iran
If we have considered Iran an enemy, we should be compelled to love them all the more.
We must recognize the fact that Iranian citizens are not representative of the Iranian regime. In fact, if we have seen anything in the last two years, we’ve seen a local rebellion against the controlling Iranian government, specifically by Iranian women and ethnic minorities alike, making up the unspoken, unpowerful majority of Iran.
While the evil regime has forced its children to shout, “Death to Israel! Death to America!” each day at school for more than 30 years, the Iranian people’s retaliative response just months ago vocalized, “Death to the dictator!”
Commensurately, as we are seeing Iranians giving their lives to Christ in droves, we must ask ourselves not only why this is happening, but also, how we can support them as they are stepping into a truly dangerous, sacrificial Christian faith under a highly oppressive Islamic regime.
Biblical prophecy: A throne established in Iran
“‘I will set my throne in Elam and destroy her king and officials,’ declares the Lord. ‘Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come,’…” – Jeremiah 49:38-39
Jeremiah 49 paints a stark picture of destruction. As we witness such conflict between Israel and Iran, many Christians, and even non-Christians, will begin searching the scriptures for an indication of what is to come. While it is not our place to know the time or the hour of such biblical prophecies, we cannot ignore the events playing out before our very eyes.
“Elam” is modern-day Iran. We are currently seeing this scripture come to fruition. While there are countless false interpretations of biblical prophesies, this is not one of them. We can be certain that God will establish His throne in Iran, or Elam, because the Bible tells us so.
In the last 45 years alone, God has already begun to establish His throne in Elam as we have witnessed the beginnings of the downfall of this regime and the starkly miraculous conversions of more than 1 million Iranians. We cannot ignore this prophecy, nor can we reject these people.
God is clearly moving in the nation of Iran. He is working in the hearts of individual Iranians through miracles, dreams and visions. He is developing the ever-growing underground church in evangelism, community and discipleship. He is reaching souls through Bible translations that have never previously existed, now in regional Iranian languages that the people can understand and in ways that speak to their hearts.
Despite the war, both within their nation and with outside forces, Iran is turning to Jesus. And in fact, it is all they can do.
Our call to prayer, advocacy and action
Prayer: Our prayers for Iran matter. Whether we have once hated these people or grown in love for them, we must pray for them. May we pray that the Gospel spread would continue, that the Good News would fall on good soil and that millions more would give their lives to Jesus. Let us pray for the church’s audacity and courageous witness, alongside their protection amid suffering. Finally, we must pray Iran‘s future, earnestly asking the Lord’s will and prophecy over the nation, that His throne will be established throughout Elam, bringing hope and freedom to the Iranian people.
Advocacy: As our hearts for Iran are developed by the Lord through our prayers, let us also inspire others to grow in knowledge and love for the people of Iran. We cannot let the biased beliefs of others hold us back from serving as an amplified voice for these oppressed people. We can educate ourselves and lovingly educate others, acting as advocates for a deeply disadvantaged people group equally loved by God.
Action: Action-oriented love is stepping in as the hands and feet of Christ, providing the key survival and faith resources the Iranian people need. In prayerfully supporting ministries actively meeting these ongoing needs, advancing the Gospel movement and championing the Iranian Christian church, we are partnering together with others in God’s will for Iran.
A response reflective of our responsibility
We cannot fix Iran, but we know the mighty God who holds this country in His hands. However, it is our duty to love these nations well amid this violent, seemingly hopeless time. We are compelled to pray, advocate and act.
Will we do so? Will we ask for the throne of God to be firmly established in the Land of Elam as this very prophecy unfolds before us? May we pray that the people of Iran and Israel will encounter Jesus Christ, and might we help those on both sides as we advocate and act in reverent obedience to God. May God’s will be done in Israel, Iran and Gaza.
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Lana Silk, Chief Executive Officer of Transform Iran, was born and raised in Iran before emigrating to the UK where she completed her education at Imperial College, London. With over 20 years of marketing experience, Lana is tri-lingual and considers it her life calling to represent and advocate for the people of Iran in the West.
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