The Writing Is On The Wall

But are we reading it?

The news this week about the Iranian backed assassination attempt on our Saudi ambassador is just another piece of evidence to back the yet unfulfilled Ezekiel 38 and 39 prophecies.  If you aren't familiar with these, read here.

Iran has been an interesting country for me to study for years.  It's a stunningly beautiful place (google images of Iran for a taste for yourself) with a strong heritage thanks to the Persian Empire.  Fabulous culture!  But, a little over 30 years ago, the overthrow of Shah Mohammed Reza in 1979 ushered in one of the purest theocracies this world has known, based solely on Shi'a Muslim beliefs and the ever increasing certainty (to Shi'as) that the 12th Imam (Mahdi) is returning soon to usher in a glorious world reign. However, many think that before the 12th Imam will appear, Israel, Iran's "Little Satan", and America, Iran's "Great Satan" must first be destroyed.  Hmm..scary.  Iran's Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and his predecessors, have been angry with America for decades because we offered asylum to the Shah's family (and still do), and our Western culture supposedly infiltrated and ruined their culture.  Cultural borrowing is a choice, so I'm not sure how that's our fault, but yes, we are guilty of keeping a family safe. 

So, if Ayatollah Khamenei really believes that Israel and America must both be destroyed for the Mahdi to return, then why aren't we paying more attention?  Why aren't our government and military leaders reading everything they can on Shi'a eschatology so that they can understand the mindset of the Iranian leaders?  If they really think sanctions will stop a nation from completing tasks they feel are vital to their future, they're nuts.

Now, bring in Russia.  Did anyone else pay attention to the fact that Putin is pretty much for sure and for certain going to be president AGAIN (czar wanna-be, perhaps?)?  Does anyone know how much he talks about not liking America?  Does anyone pay attention to the deals and meetings Russia and Iran have?  This screams of Ezekiel 38 and 39!  War on Israel by Russia and Iran is imminent, and what are the chances America will be threatened too?  The writing IS on the wall.  God, in all His sovereignty, has given us all the knowledge we need to prepare ourselves spiritually and as a country to face not a power of this world, but the Prince of Darkness, disguising himself as the political and religious leaders of Iran.  His Word is perfect, living, and teaching us, if we'll read it!  In Beth Moore's study on David called "Seeking a Heart Like His", she reminds us in Session 5 how as Christians it's a responsibility to know what's happening in the world and to be a part of the solution, not more of the problem.  She's right, because she pulled her words right out of Scripture.  So, if the problem is Satan, what are we doing to fight back appropriately?  WAKE UP, America! 

To learn more about all of these ramblings, check out Joel Rosenberg's blog.