Prophecy, the Middle East, and What We Must Do Now

 “We should not just sit and watch the news in fear. Instead, we must take these three steps...”

If you have been watching the news today, you know that something very big is happening. Reports have confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint strike by the USA and Israel. Iran is already fighting back with missiles, and Russia has stepped in to support Iran and speak against the attack.

For Christians who study the Bible, these events are very important. Jesus talked about this in Matthew 24:6-7. He warned that there would be "wars and rumors of wars" and that "nations would rise against nations." While there have always been wars, the size and intensity of what is happening right now is different. It is clear and very serious. Jesus said, “Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Matthew 24:6)

Many people believe this is leading to a famous prophecy found in Ezekiel 38 and 39. This prophecy describes a group of nations that will try to invade Israel. It mentions Persia (the old name for Iran) and Magog (which many scholars link to Russia) (Ezekiel 38:5, 11). Looking at the news today, we can see these nations coming together exactly as the Bible described thousands of years ago. Is what we are witnessing right now the exact geopolitical alignment necessary for that scenario. Could this be the beginning of the alliance of nations that will attack Isreal as found in Ezekiel 38:2-11? I don't know.

I believe God gave the world a short time of peace over the last few years. President Donald Trump, during his first term, was ready to initiate major actions against Iran. He threatened Iran with such an attack and tensions short up very quickly. It looked like an attack like this was eminent. But the US elections came and he lost. It was like a "pause button" was pressed on the end-time timeline. I believe, this was a time of grace for us to wake up, pray, and mobilise for the Great Commission. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

But now, it feels like the "play button" has been pressed again, and things are moving very fast. If we see Russia, Iran, and Turkey join forces to plan an invasion of Israel (Ezekiel 38:2-11), we must realise that the time of the Antichrist and the Tribulation (Revelation 13) is very close. Some believe the Bible even names the specific countries that will lead this attack. They believe in Ezekiel 38:2-6, it mentions Magog (Russia), Persia (Iran), and Gomer and Togarmah (Turkey). For thousands of years, these nations were not allies, but today we see them forming a close military bond, just as the prophecy predicted. [1]

So, what Should Every Christian Do? We should not just sit and watch the news in fear. Instead, we must take these three steps:

1. Do not be afraid; have faith.

Jesus told us these things would happen so that we would be ready, not scared. He said, “Watch out that no one deceives you... see to it that you are not alarmed” (Matthew 24:4-6). As Christians, we are children of light, so we should not act like people who are lost in the dark. Jesus asks, “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) 

2. Focus on living like Jesus.

God wants us to grow and become more like His Son. He “predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). The Bible says Jesus is coming back to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). 1 John 3:2-3 says that anyone who hopes to see Jesus should "purify themselves." This means we should turn away from all worldliness and excessive devotion to materials things and focus on living a godly life. If you're not yet Christian, this is the time to turn to Jesus! It's urgent!

3. Preach the Gospel!

The most important sign of the end is found in Matthew 24:14. It says the end will not come until the Gospel of the Kingdom is preached in all the earth. There are still about 3 billion people who have never heard the message of Jesus. This is the time to support missions, pray for missionaries, and tell people the truth about the Bible. 

The world is changing fast, but our job remains the same. Let’s be found doing God’s work when He returns. 

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” - Jesus (Matthew 24.45-46)

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Footnote
[1] Note on Biblical Nations: Biblical scholars and historians often use ancient maps and the writings of historians like Josephus to identify these nations. For a detailed breakdown of how ancient names like Magog, Persia, and Togarmah map to modern-day Russia, Iran, and Turkey, you can read more here.

If you want a link that specifically focuses on the mapping of the countries, go to David Jeremiah’s ministry:  Who are the nations in the Ezekiel 38 alliance?