The Middle East is a complicated place, especially difficult for those of us in the west to fully comprehend. The Iranian regime, driven by radical eschatological (end times) beliefs, seems especially difficult to understand. Shia Islam dominates the region and stands opposed to Sunni Islam, which is much more prevalent and has its roots in Saudi Arabia. Since the 1979 revolution in Iran displaced the shah and elevated the ayatollahs to power, they have followed the radical belief that their god (Allah) has called them to prepare the way for their messiah by killing the infidels, primarily Jews, but anyone who disagrees with their twisted theology.

For those entrenched in radical Shia theology, there is absolutely no value to life. Citizens are used as human shields, rockets are fired at civilian areas, and in the end, even their own lives have more value as martyrs “for the cause of Allah” than if they fail to live their lives creating chaos and death.

Without a doubt, the Iranian regime has its followers, radically committed to the death cult and faithful to the brutality of the regime. However, in a nation of ~92 million, the majority are normal people, often caring and hospitable, yearning to escape the oppression of ayatollahs who view them solely as expendable objects. Women have no rights and those who dare to cross the regime do so at the peril of their lives. Yet, God is moving unbelievably in Iran! Though relegated to secrecy in order to preserve their lives, the largest revival on earth is happening in Iran! God is appearing in dreams and visions, and the Iranian underground church is growing by leaps and bounds.

Now that war rocks Iran, what is happening on the inside? Will the Iranian people rise up and retake their nation? I found the following interview with an Iranian-born American, connected to his homeland, to be very interesting and insightful.

Now, some Biblical perspective regarding the interview:

• Mr Rahimian seems confident a new Iran will emerge IF there is regime change. It is a big if, and I believe most of us desire that. The current regime is quite possibly demon-possessed and has no regard for the impact on human life and well-being. Shouts of “Death to America! Death to Israel!” continue to echo within the ranks of the regime and their followers. Few (if any) outside the regime are in favor of them remaining in power.
• From a Biblical perspective, it is important to ask, “Is it possible to overturn the regime?” Ezekiel 38 tells us clearly that a time will come when Iran joins Russia, Turkey and others in attacking Israel from the north. That prophecy is very clear, and it WILL occur. The question is, “When?”
• It is a known fact that Russia has supplied Iran with air defense systems, drones, intel and other weapons and means of war. The two already have treaties and agreements to strengthen one another militarily. Turkey, currently a NATO member, has slid very dramatically to the side of Iran and Russia, and Turkish President Erdogan has his sights set on reestablishing the old Ottoman Empire. The coalition is already loosely associated.
• Through earthly eyes, given what we know about the Ezekiel prophecy, it seems one of three things is most likely:
  • The US, our allies, and the Iranian people will be unsuccessful in overturning the regime.
  • The regime will be overturned but will soon be forced by one thing or another to run straight into the arms of Russia and Turkey.
  • The overthrow is successful, Israel becomes even more secure and prosperous (as Ezekiel says they will be at the time of the invasion), and there may be a window of calm before the great storm of Ezekiel 38.

Certainly, I’m praying for the third option. However, it may be the least likely of the three, given the doomsday nature of the Iranian regime. They will never give up, and they consider losing their lives for the cause of Allah their highest calling. (That is why it is impossible to negotiate a geopolitical solution. This is a spiritual issue.)

Can the entire regime be rooted out? It seems highly unlikely beyond a miracle of God. It’s possible but doesn’t appear to be plausible through human eyes!

Bottom line: Stand strong, believing friends! We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future! Avoid getting wrapped up in the political narratives of all that is wrong with America and the world. Instead, put your eyes on the Word of God and your faith in the God of the Word! He’s got this, and as believers, our future is secure!

BTW – This is a situation we cannot control. Tomorrow we will talk about what happens when we try to control such things! See you then!