(OPINION) Iran’s attack on Israel is a significant biblical sign, said Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Fellowship during his sermon on Sunday, titled “The Road Less Traveled.”
However, he cautioned against concluding that the event could lead to the scenario described in Ezekiel 38, which sets the stage for the ultimate victory of God’s people and the acknowledgment of God’s power and authority by the nations.
Laurie’s remarks came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following a significant aerial assault on Israel by Iran, which involved the launch of hundreds of drones and missiles.
According to Israel’s military, this marked a severe escalation that could lead to broader conflict. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the strikes were retaliation for an attack on their consulate in Damascus earlier in April.
“Iran has never openly attacked Israel,” Laurie pointed out, adding that Iran has typically acted through proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas.
The Bible says the Jewish people would be regathered in their homeland in the End Times, which happened in 1948, Laurie explained, adding that the Bible says Israel would be isolated, which is happening.
“The Bible also says anti-Semitism would grow stronger in the end times. That, too, is happening. And the Bible says a large force from the north of Israel would attack her. And that force is identified as Magog. Many scholars believe Magog is Russia.”
However, he cautioned, “No one can say that with absolute certainty, but it seems likely.” “But we do know,” he underlined, “that one of the allies that marches with Magog against Israel is Persia. Persia is Iran.”
However, this “doesn’t mean what’s happening will lead to the scenario we read about in Ezekiel 38. Not necessarily. But it is certainly a preview of things to come. It is a game changer, and it’s a big deal.”
The Bible tells us to pray for peace in Israel, Laurie said, adding that 99% of the missiles sent by Iran to attack Israel were shot down. The pastor then read aloud Deuteronomy 33:29: “Blessed are you, Israel!
Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.”
Laurie stated that when we witness these events unfolding, our response should be to affirm our belief in the truth of the Bible’s prophecies, recognizing that our redemption is near, rather than “freak out.” (CONTINUE)
