Perspective

By L. Jim Tuck

February 8, 2024

Iran in Prophecy

   What is the role of this arrogant nation of Iran in prophecy which constantly belittles the United States and Israel? Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared on national television, “The situation between America and Iran is this: When you chant ‘Death to America!’ it is not just a slogan – it is a policy.”

   He also openly made this statement about Israel, “Our stance against Israel is the same stance we have always taken,” he said. “Israel is a malignant cancerous tumor in the West Asian region that has to be removed and eradicated: it is possible and it will happen.”

   Does the United States have the wisdom and will to stop this monster nation? Will American leaders make the same mistake as President Carter in 1972?

Perspective

   Usually, it is wise to believe the statements made by an aggressive adversary and take action against them. And yet, the United States has permitted this rogue nation of Iran the time to construct nuclear weapons, as well as, a missile delivery system.

   Iran has utilized various proxy terrorist organizations to attack U.S. military service men in Jordan, Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere. Pentagon officials said 50 U.S. service members have been killed at several bases in Iraq and Syria by drone or rocket attacks fired by militant groups aligned with Iran between Oct. 17 and Oct. 26, 2023.

   In the past, after the British pulled out of their Mideast bases, the United States has depended upon Iran to fill London's shoes as the region's policeman. A stable Iran was essential to the stability of the region.

   The fall of the Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, occurred on February 11, 1979 during the Islamic Revolution. The shah left the country on January 16, 1979, and Khomeini assumed control. Iran ceased being the reliable ally it once was. The Iran hostage crisis occurred soon afterward. Fifty-two American diplomats and citizens were held hostage by a group of militarized Iranian college students who supported the Iranian Revolution, took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took them as hostages. The hostages were held for 444 days, from November 4, 1979 to their release on January 20, 1981. The crisis is considered a pivotal episode in the history of Iran–United States relations.

Operation Eagle Claw Failure

   President Carter’s efforts to bring an end to the hostage crisis soon became one of his foremost priorities. In April 1980, frustrated with the slow pace of diplomacy, Carter decided to launch a risky military rescue mission, known as “Operation Eagle Claw,” which ended in disaster. It is believed this fiasco cost him a second term as president. Some think Iran kept the hostages during the Carter administration because he was "weak," but they feared Reagan’s resolve and acquiesced after he was sworn into office.

   Iran is in a strategic geographical position in the tense Middle East and Far East region, an area that has been called the real center of the world. Iran at one time guarded the sea-lanes of the Persian Gulf which kept Iranian and Saudi Arabian oil flowing to the U.S., Western Europe and Japan. However, what used to be a force for good—is now our active enemy striving to organize a coalition against the United States. It has joined efforts with other nations to bring down the American dollar as a world currency.

   Iran will likely be the power which will eventually bring the king of the South together spoken by Daniel the prophet (Daniel 11:40). The king of the South will extend all the way to Ethiopia (Daniel 11:43).

   President Joe Biden responded to the terrorist Iranian proxies in Iraq and Syria and the U.S. military mounted a series of air and missile strikes, retaliating against them for a suicide drone strike that killed three American soldiers at a remote base in Jordan. The airstrikes used more than 125 precision munitions and struck more than 85 targets, the U.S. Central Command said in a statement.

   Many believe the retaliation was too little and not the more powerful message needed to send to Iran. American leadership refuses to learn the lesson of Vietnam: if you go to war, you must have the resolve to fight to win! Even in the Bible, leaders are admonished to count the cost of entering a war before committing its forces (Luke 14:31-32).

America—A Floundering Super Power

   But why is America afraid to act the part of the superpower? Has God done as He said if we ceased to trust in Him? God said, He would break the pride of our power (Leviticus 26:19). “I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you.” (Leviticus 26:17).

   Now more than ever, Washington's diplomacy is confused, its intelligence agency is lacking, and its military competence was greatly dramatized by the chaotic pull out from Afghanistan, leaving our soldiers and allies to die, and billions of dollars of military equipment were left to the Taliban. In his classic book, Politics Among Nations, author Hans J. Morgenthau writes: "Diplomacy, one might say, is the brains of national power, as national morale is its soul." God says of modern Israel, in Isaiah 1:5: ''…The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faints.” The U.S. has faulty leadership and people lack the will and the morale to be the super power it is.

   Increasingly, some are dismayed by the foolish decisions of Washington D.C. There is a growing distrust of the leader of the free world. During the aftermath of World War II, no one doubted American power. The United States had a clearer foreign policy and a better vision of its place in the world and the will to use its power and influence. Little wonder that our European allies are leaning toward more of a willingness to make their own policies independent of Washington's lead.

   What is prophesied to happen to modern Israel? Ezekiel 6 and 16 give a scenario of the coming great fall of the United States and the U.K., and God’s punishment of our people. Ezekiel 6:6 says our cities will be laid waste. In Ezekiel 16 God compares the U.S. and Britain to a strange kind if prostitute who pays her lovers:

  “‘Now then, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD! Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because your filthiness was poured out and your nakedness uncovered in your harlotry with your lovers, and with all your abominable idols, and because of the blood of your children which you gave to them, surely, therefore, I will gather all your lovers with whom you took pleasure, all those you loved, and all those you hated; I will gather them from all around against you and will uncover your nakedness to them, that they may see all your nakedness. And I will judge you as women who break wedlock or shed blood are judged; I will bring blood upon you in fury and jealousy. I will also give you into their hand, and they shall throw down your shrines and break down your high places. They shall also strip you of your clothes, take your beautiful jewelry, and leave you naked and bare.’” (Ezekiel 16:35-39)

   Iran will likely continue on its path to try to form a coalition of nations to destroy America. The war which began with Israel and Gaza continues to expand, and the awful scenario the prophet Ezekiel paints, signals the coming destruction and captivity prophesied on the English-speaking world (Psalms 106:40-48). Amidst all of these things happening in the world, God has a rescue plan for those who sincerity fear Him and keep His commandments. He forgives us and watches over us, so we need not fear.

This is my Perspective for this week. Have a great Sabbath and nice weekend!