NOTE: This post was written prior to the strikes on Iran. It appears we are facing the potential Biblical and geopolitical turning point mentioned below. Now we see in hindsight what we looked toward when the post was written! Modern-day Haman has met his demise!

Hi friends! We’re entering an interesting season as things continue to heat up in the Middle East, and it causes Bible students to wonder if Bible history will meet Bible prophecy.

What do I mean by that? Well, sundown tonight marks the beginning of Purim, the Jewish festival of celebration of God’s deliverance of the Jewish people from evil Haman’s 5th century BC plot to kill all the Jews exiled in Persia (modern day Iran). The dastardly Haman tricked Persian King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) into signing a decree to kill all the Jews. But Mordecai and his cousin, Esther, were placed by God “for such a time as this,” and because of Esther’s obedience to the Lord, the Jewish people were saved and Haman was hung on his own gallows. (Read the full story in the book of Esther. It is fascinating!)

Today, another Iranian leader has vowed continually to wipe the Jews from the face of the earth. Developing ballistic and nuclear weapons is the current MO for the Iranians, and they threaten not only Israel, but also the US. Chants of “Death to Israel, death to America” are prevalent among the radical Shi’ite Islamists in Iran, and they have clearly labeled Israel as the “little Satan” and the US as the “great Satan.” The apocalyptic theology that undergirds their policies is shear evil and drives their ambition to destroy the “infidels.”

Following failed peace talks between the US and Iran, the world has witnessed perhaps the largest US naval buildup of forces ever around Iran. Add the fierce air force capabilities of Israel, and the joint intelligence apparatus of both, and the Iranian regime seems to be looking down the barrel of the world’s largest and most fierce battle array.

Purim is symbolic. Technically, it was about casting lots to determine the day in which the evil Haman would seek to destroy the Jews. After weeks of saber rattling could Purim prove to be the day of “evil Haman’s” downfall once again? (Not counting on it, but it would be a bit of poetic justice!)

Tune in to hear Daniel Cohen (Real Life Network) and Chris Mitchell (TBN Israel) discuss this potential Biblical and geopolitical turning point:

Now, where history meets Bible prophecy…

We know for certain that Persia (modern day Iran) will be a major player, along with Russia and Turkey, in the War of Gog and Magog, detailed in Ezekiel 38-39. Thus, we know these things as well:

• Iran is not going anywhere. Even the strongest attack by the world’s greatest military will not wipe Iran off the map. (Nor is that part of the battle plan.)
• Though a peace deal seems unlikely at this point, if one was struck, we could be absolutely assured it would benefit Iran. How do we know that? They will never back down on their nuclear ambitions, cease production of ballistic missiles, or quit sponsoring terror around the world. There is no incentive to do so. They will sacrifice their own people and even die themselves before accepting those conditions. This is a spiritually-charged demonic regime with absolutely no regard for life. They believe they have been called by Allah to destroy the infidels, and they don’t care about the lives lost in doing so. It is impossible to successfully negotiate with those who vow to kill you and will put their lives on the line “for the cause of Allah.”
• According to experts, regime change is next to impossible without boots on the ground, which President Trump has indicated will not happen. Protesters in Iran, who hunger and thirst for freedom, are unarmed, so will likely not be able to overthrow the regime without significant help from somewhere. But again, we know that Iran will be part of the evil forces that invade Israel in the War of Gog and Magog. That implies evil rulers will still be in place. So, either regime change fails, or another set of leaders take over (or rise up) to lead Iran down the same path of demonic hatred.

As exciting as it sounds to think about regime change, freedom for Iranians, and a great revival taking place in Iran, history and Bible prophecy seem to point in a different direction.

But God…

The Sovereign Lord of the Universe is in control, and nothing is too difficult for Him! Praise God! Thus, with all my heart, I pray, longing for God’s miracle to somehow bring freedom and revival to a peaceful Iran. God is able, regardless of how things appear through human eyes, or how well we think we understand Bible prophecy! The Lord God will indeed fulfill Bible prophecy, but not always in the way or the timing we expect. Let’s pray for the Iranian people, that many would come to know Jesus, despite what takes place in their land.