Happy Sunday, my friends. As you know, I try to keep it lighter and more worshipful on Sundays, but given the events of yesterday (Iran’s attack on Israel), I want to briefly respond to the myriad of questions received via comments, texts, emails, etc. Not every question and concern will be addressed today, but I will try to provide not only accurate answers to questions, but also encouragement from God’s Word as we watch the events in the Middle East unfold.

Additionally, while Iran was sending hundreds of suicide drones, rockets and missiles Israel’s way, I was attending a Behold Israel prophecy conference. There is much to share in that regard as well, and I hope to get information to you sooner than later.

The most asked question is, “Are we seeing the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 playing out right now?” In short, I don’t think so. Though Iran is a major player in the invasion on Israel described in Ezekiel 38, there are many more details of that invasion that are not happening according to that prophecy.

For example, Gog of Magog (the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal) leads that coalition from the far north of Israel. (Ezekiel 38:2, 15) Rosh actually means “head” (as in leader), and Meshech and Tubal are ancient names of parts of Russia, which is far north of Israel. At least to date, Russia is uninvolved in the war taking place between Israel and Iran. Also, Ezekiel 38:4 says the Lord Himself will put hooks in the jaws of the invading leader and draw him down out of the north. God has not drawn Iran into this conflict, and neither are they north of Israel.

Verse 9 of that chapter says the invaders will come like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, with many troops. There were no troops involved in yesterday’s attack, and it was not an invasion. In fact, very few drones, rockets or missiles even entered Israeli territory. No significant damage was done (thanks to the mastery of Israel’s air defense system).

The logical follow up question is, “Will this lead to the Ezekiel 38 war?” It’s too early to tell, but it seems more like table-setting of that invasion than it does a direct result of it. Certainly, Russia and Iran (along with Turkey) have played footsies lately, and Russia has a definite presence in Syria, which lies directly across the norther border of Israel. At some point, the nations listed in verses 2, 5, and 6 (modern-day Russia, Iran, Turkey, Sudan and Libya, perhaps along with a few other minor players in North Africa) will indeed fully coalesce to advance on Israel. All of them currently serve strategic purposes against Israel.

Now a few words about the conflict. Thankfully, Israel’s air defense systems worked beautifully, and other nations (including the US, France, Great Britain and friendly Arab allies) came to Israel’s defense. The Iron Beam (a version of the Iron Dome that uses lasers rather than missiles) was put into action for the first time and, along with the Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling, showed the superior defense systems that Israel has developed.

We also praise God for the nations who chose to act on Israel’s behalf. However, don’t get your hopes up, as US support may be short-lived. Joe Biden has already begun pressuring Israel not to respond to the Iranian attack and has previously threatened to withhold munitions and military aid if Israel refuses to bow the knee to American demands. In late breaking news last night, it was reported that Iran actually coordinated with the Biden administration by warning the US of their attack on Israel. In return, Biden reportedly assured the ayatollahs the US will not allow an Israeli response. Woe to America.

Israel MUST respond. The Middle East is a very tough neighborhood and one must not show weakness if they wish to survive. To follow American advice would send a very clear message to Iran to do whatever they wish because America will reign in Israel and there will be no consequential response. Iran will be free to develop and deploy nuclear weapons.

Friends, be very careful about what you see and hear via mainstream media and social media. The war of public opinion has been underway for years and ramped up in intensity after October 7. Just as the news you hear out of Gaza is most often inaccurate, the news out of Iran and the greater Middle East is already proving to be false as well. Anti-Israel messaging is already rampant as rogue players try to pin the blame on Israel for every problem in the Middle East. Let’s not forget that Israel did not start any of the conflicts happening right now, and they are the most open, free and democratic nation in the entire region. Palestinians are not being mistreated, Israel did not start these wars, and the descendants of Ishmael have always been the aggressors toward the descendants of Isaac.

Finally, God’s Word is the source of truth and our anchor in times like these. If you read Ezekiel 38 in its entirety, you will find that, despite the overwhelming invasion from the north, Israel stands in the end! Israel is not going anywhere now or later. Iran will not destroy them. Neither Hamas nor Hezbollah will destroy them. No one else on earth will cause them to fade away.

Pray for the peace of Israel, and cling to the Word of God. As Christians, our ride is about to get much more intense, and standing strong in God’s Word is the only way we will thrive.