A few hours ago, President Obama told the American public (and the world) that the US will open a broad front against the terrorist group ISIS (also known as ISIL, IS, and Islamic State).  Certainly, world leaders need to develop a strategy to deal with the brutal, barbaric jihadist group.  ISIS has not hesitated to kidnap and rape women and children, kill thousands and thousands of Christians and others who do not agree with their ideology, brutally murder entire families and hang their heads on fence posts in city parks.  They must be stopped.

Not so long ago, ISIS was al Qaeda in Iraq.  When US troops “defeated” al Qaeda in 2006, they didn’t destroy them.  ISIS regrouped about 2011 and began to rebuild their infrastructure.  In the midst, they may have grown stronger than al Qaeda.

ISIS’s goal is to establish a hardline, Sunni caliphate.  Thus, in their rampage through Syria and Iraq, they exercise jihad against Shiite Muslims (among others).  In fact, ISIS has destroyed far more mosques and killed far more Muslims while marching through Iraq, than Israel did in Gaza.

According to Obama’s speech, “America will be joined by a broad coalition of partners.”  Let’s pray that world leaders will unite in efforts against ISIS.  This is a serious matter that needs to be addressed.  However, as I look at Bible prophecy, I’m prone to think that world leaders would be wise not to become distracted by ISIS while Iran continues to develop nuclear weapons.  Ezekiel 38 clearly names Iran as the joint partner with Russia in a northern invasion into Israel in end times.

Regardless of whether we agree, disagree, or have no opinion about Obama’s commitment to destroy ISIS, it is our responsibility to pray for our leaders.  Pray for wisdom!  Can you imagine making the kinds of decisions that world leaders make, particularly during these intense times?  Pray, also, for the spirit of the Living God to move upon all nations in the Middle East.  Jesus is making Himself known through visions and dreams to people throughout the Middle East, and many are coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ!  Let’s pray for more of that!

On a side note, let’s remember that it was al Qaeda who launched the terrorist attacks on America 13 years ago today.  That same group and others still consider America the “great Satan,” and ultimately desire to destroy America.  We are in desperate need as a nation of taking refuge in the shelter of the wings of the Almighty (Psalm 91).

Though we may be in tenuous times, we take comfort as believers in knowing that soon…perhaps very soon…our Lord Jesus will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and we will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air!  (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)  Maranatha…Lord come quickly!