Iran attacked Israel. On Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, tensions in the Middle East surged to new heights as Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles targeting Israel, marking the largest missile barrage in the region’s history.
The attack comes in direct response to Israel’s ground incursions into southern Lebanon and a recent airstrike that killed Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an emergency meeting, declared that Iran had made a “big mistake” and vowed retaliation, stating that his nation would defend itself with full force.
Air raid sirens wailed across Israel’s coastal cities as the missile strike began at around 7:30 p.m. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) responded swiftly, intercepting many missiles with their advanced air defense systems, though some rockets hit central areas, causing fires and significant damage.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue to rain down across Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, aimed at Iranian-backed militias.
The international community, including the U.S. and the U.N., called for restraint and urged both parties to step back from the brink of a broader war.
While Israel continues its military operations, it is clear that the conflict has escalated dramatically, leaving the world on edge.
A Biblical Reflection on Current Events
These events are heart-wrenching and undeniably alarming. But for those familiar with the Bible, they feel eerily familiar.
In Matthew 24:6-7, Jesus tells us that we will hear of “wars and rumors of wars” and that “nation will rise against nation.” For many, it feels as if the pieces of this prophecy are falling into place.
The Bible speaks often of Israel being at the center of world events, especially in times of great turmoil. In Zechariah 12:2-3, God declares that Jerusalem will become “a cup of trembling” for all nations, a place of conflict that will draw global attention.
The ongoing hostilities between Israel and its surrounding enemies may be an echo of this ancient prophecy, as Iran, Hezbollah, and other regional players close in on Israel.
In Ezekiel 38, we read of a coalition of nations that will come against Israel in a final attempt to destroy it, but God Himself will intervene to protect His people.
However, it’s not just about war and destruction. As believers, we are also reminded of God’s faithfulness to His promises.
Throughout Scripture, God has made it clear that Israel will not be forsaken. In Genesis 12:3, God promised Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” No matter how dire the situation may seem, God’s hand is still upon Israel, and He will keep His covenant with them.
A Message of Hope
It’s easy to look at the current state of the world and feel overwhelmed. The fear, the violence, the instability—it all points to a broken world groaning for redemption. But as Christians, we are called to see beyond the chaos.
We serve a God who holds history in His hands, a God who promised that His kingdom is coming.
In times like these, we must remember the words of Jesus in John 16:33: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The conflicts we witness are not the final story. They are reminders that we live in a world that desperately needs the peace only Jesus can bring. And while the situation in the Middle East may seem out of control, we know that nothing is out of God’s control.
What should our response be?
First, we must pray.
Pray for peace in the Middle East. Pray for the protection of the innocent and for wisdom for world leaders.
Pray for the hearts of those involved in the conflict, that they might turn to God in their desperation. As the Bible reminds us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we are called to pray for all those in authority, that we may live in peace.
Second, we must trust.
Trust that God’s purposes are being worked out, even in the midst of conflict. Trust that He is faithful to His promises and that His plan for peace, both for Israel and for the entire world, will one day come to fruition.
Third, we must be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Now, more than ever, the world needs to see the love of Christ through His people.
In a time when fear is rampant, we are called to be bearers of hope. As we see nations rise against nations, let’s not forget the Prince of Peace who has overcome the world. His peace can calm even the fiercest of storms.
Iran Attacked Israel: Your Response
The escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran is a stark reminder of the fragile state of our world, but it is also a call for Christians to stand firm in faith.
Though the future may seem uncertain, we know that God is sovereign over all. He has not abandoned His people, and He will bring His purposes to pass.
As we watch the events unfold, let us be vigilant in prayer, firm in our hope, and active in our love. This world is in desperate need of a Savior—and we, as Christ’s followers, are called to reflect that hope in everything we do.
Shalom brother,
Your last couple of posts have been concerning enough that I think it best to unsubscribe as I don’t want to be distracted nor influenced to misjudge the times and misinterpret/misapply the Word.
It would be unfair, I suppose, not to explain a bit.
Yisra’El/Yashar’El is and has always been a people. This people is still presently scattered throughout the nations of the world and, collectively (though those who are returning to the true Faith are blessed), remains under a curse as a consequence of disobedience for which He said He would thrust them from the Land until HE regathers all the true remnant assembly from the four corners of the world.
The modern state, called Israel, essentially established by the Balfour Declaration and Zionist collaboration/support is not a fulfillment of Scripture (as some– perhaps many– teach), wherein YaH declares through His prophets that He will bring BOTH houses (Ephrayim/Joseph/Yisra’El AND Yahudah) back to the Land of their inheritance when He gathers them with Messiah as their banner. The Scriptures also explain that this gathering will be such that it will ‘dwarf’ the first Exodus, which will no more be spoken about (not only do we all still speak about it; we commemorate it each year). The Scriptures discuss this as the Second Exodus.
Consider this: IF Christians regard the so-called Jewish people presently in the Land as bloodline descendants of Yahudah and they are not, then what manner of deception and misdirection could they be headed for? Twice readers are told that there are those who say they are Yahudim and are not. This warning cannot be ignored, especially in our times.
It is absolutely appropriate and good to pray that His will be done in the conflict in the East and in the lives of those in the Land who are His and those who will come to faith and repentance. Beyond this, believers have to be very careful how they are reading, interpreting, and applying Scripture. We are warned of great deception and falsehood in the last days.
YaH bless and keep you– and all waiting on the Return of His Messiah Yahushua!
(Please excuse any confusing typos.)
Shalom to you Edwidge!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
The way I understand your comment is that you believe the people who call them Israel today in the Middle East aren’t actually from any tribe of Israel. Is my understanding correct? If yes, I would be glad to hear your thoughts why that is. If you can, please send me an email at joshuainfantado@gmail.com.
Thank you!