Although Pastor Greg Laurie believes Iran’s attack on Israel last weekend is a significant biblical sign, he cautions against concluding that the event could lead to the scenario described in Ezekiel 38, which sets the stage for the ultimate victory of God’s people and the acknowledgment of God’s power and authority by the nations.
His comments come after Iran fired 320 ballistic missiles, drones and cruise missiles at Iran. The first time in history that the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism had attacked the Jewish state.
Laurie, an author and pastor of Harvest Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., discussed the situation in Israel in his sermon on Sunday. reported. “Iran has never openly attacked Israel,” he said, adding that Iran typically has acted through proxies such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
The Bible says the Jewish people will be regathered in their homeland in the end times, which happened in 1948, Laurie explained, adding that the Bible says Israel will be isolated, which is happening.
“The Bible also says antisemitism [Jew hatred] would grow stronger in the end times,” Laurie said. “That, too, is happening. And the Bible says a large force from the north of Israel would attack her. That force is identified as Magog. Many scholars believe Magog is Russia. No one can say that with absolute certainty, but it seems likely. But we do know that one of the allies that marches with Magog against Israel is Persia. Persia is Iran.”
The Bible tells Christians to pray for peace in Israel, Laurie said, adding that 99 percent of the missiles sent by Iran to attack Israel were shot down. The pastor then read Deuteronomy 33:29: “Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.”
When Christians witness these events unfolding, their response should be to affirm their belief in the truth of the Bible’s prophecies, recognizing that redemption is near, rather than “freak out,” Lauire said.
President Joe Biden has reaffirmed robust U.S. support for Israel. The U.S administration also strangely asked Israel not to respond. That policy caught many off-guard with some asking if the Biden would likewise stand down if Iran or North Korea also fired 320 missiles into the United States.
But overwhelming support among the American population for Israel has successfully countered pro-Hamas protesters on college campuses and those shutting down bridges and airports across the country. The United States reportedly has expedited military support, deploying additional aircraft and missile defense systems to the region. The global reaction has been swift, with widespread condemnation of the Iranian regime’s actions seen as reckless and provocative. From Paris to London, governments have echoed the need for stability and caution to avoid further inflaming the situation.
Israel has not taken credit for missile attacks within Iran that is believed to be the response.
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice