Pastor’s Thoughts 02/28/2026
February 28, 2026
“Through the centuries, three main viewpoints have emerged from within the church in response to the question of war: First, some believe no war is justifiable (a position called pacifism). Second, others believe Christians must submit to their government and agree to fight in any war it engages in (a viewpoint known as activism). And third, but the majority of Christians hold the view that believers may support or join in defensive wars against evil aggressors – a position known as the just war theory.”
John MacArthur
The country of Iran in Biblical history was called Elam, which later became part of the Medo-Persian empire or Persia, and then in the 15th century it became Iran. The history of this land, which is more than twice the size of Texas, is replete with historical Scriptural events. The book of Daniel was likely written from Persia (Daniel 8:2). It is also the setting for the book of Esther and the beginning portions of Nehemiah where God was moving to bring a remnant back into Israel. Jeremiah wrote that Elam would be conquered and then rise to power again (Jeremiah 49:34-39). It was conquered in 596 BC by Babylon, and then later under Cyrus it amazingly regained control (539 BC) defeating Babylon, not only fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy, but the additional prophecy of Isaiah 21:2. Elam became incorporated into the empire of the Medes and Persians. This was then conquered by Alexander the Great (323BC) and taken into the Grecian empire. From there it went through many phases. We know that more recently in 1979 a revolution took place that seated the Islamic government of which the United States along with Israel are seeking to change. Iran has been wealthy because of its vast resources of oil, and yet the people have been repressed by a government predominately fixed on terroristic activities and weaponization to force the world into its radical Islamic religion.
In particular, the Iranian leadership has a satanic hatred of Israel. Instead of spending their resources for the improvement of their population, they continue to spend an unprecedented portion of their gross domestic product on their intention of destroying Israel. For those who are familiar with the biblical account, this should remind us of a modern-day equivalent to the history found in Esther, where Haman sought to annihilate all Jews. Isaiah the prophet tells us that God declares, “The end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (Isaiah 46:10). We should be comforted in the current events remembering what God promised to Abraham with specific reference to His chosen offspring of Israel. God said, “And I will make you a great nation. And I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing. And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse” (Gen. 12:2-3). We know that God chose to give us our Savior through Abraham’s offspring Jacob, who would become Israel. Through Israel we also have received the Bible whereby we may know Christ and by grace be restored to God through Him. Knowing the history of these ancient cultures and the exacting fulfillment by the prophets opens our eyes to God’s plan being carried out in history. His sovereignty is at work in restoring humanity. He is bringing all events toward the coming of Christ to establish His kingdom. Since the fall of humanity, God has been moving to redeem and restore His creation just as He promised (Gen. 3:15). Empires have come, gone, or changed, but God is on the throne forever.
Just as in the days of Haman recorded in the book of Esther, God will not allow His chosen and covenant people, Israel, to be destroyed. They live in a small land which had become so desolate that no people paid particular attention or interest in it for many years. Yet, supernaturally after nearly two thousand years, the people of Israel began to regather in the same place. It is now a nation that of itself bears no threat to the surrounding larger nations other than its intense effort for personal protection. Yet, it is hated by most of the world, and particularly the nation of Iran. The explanation for this is found in satanic influence (Rev. 12:13). On the one hand you have a nation, Iran, being directed by evil influence with an unexplainable hatred of a tiny group of people and nation. On the other hand the tiny nation, Israel, is being supported and protected through other peculiar circumstances by the most powerful nation in the world, the United States, which of itself has no claim of virtue and is divided by the circumstances. This too is not without God’s sovereign hand behind it. I hope you can see how God is in these events as the true explanation behind extreme difficulties. Israel has a major role in end time events. It is from Israel that our Savior will reign over the earth and bring righteousness to the world (Isaiah 2, Zechariah 14, Revelation 20). We are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
Most importantly, as we look at world events and particularly those things involving Israel, we should be reminded of God’s promise of blessing to those who bless Israel. This is not because of who Israel is now. Israel today is not a Christian nation or people, but according to God’s Word, it will be in God’s timing (Zechariah 12:10ff; Romans 11:15, 25-29). Brethren, let us also pray for our own leaders in the United States that the decisions being made would be in accord with God’s plan and purposes (1 Timothy 2:1). Our joy as we view the changing course of incredible events in our world, in the midst of turmoil, is to know that God is in control and that by faith we belong to Him and have a glorious future. Let us cling to our God and give thanks to Him, not only for the future, but for His daily providential care and mercies.
