Implications of the latest wave of concern about Iran's nuclear capability.
[Darris McNeely] Here are the Straits of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean and Iran. Once again the world attention is focused upon Iran and its growing nuclear capability and the implications for the Middle East, for the state of Israel, for the price of oil in the entire world and again we are focused upon what's taking place there in the Middle East.
[Steve Myers] We are reminding ourselves where that is and how close that is to Jerusalem and Israel and how they're just surrounded by all of the Arab states. And I think sometimes we forget how close that is and all of the commotion that's going over there right now with warships right in the Straits of Hormuz, the United Naval Base right there and everything's on high alert because of all the difficulties that are going on right now.
[Darris McNeely] And world leaders have said that a nuclear Iran is a question that is not going to be accepted—it is not an acceptable situation. Will Israel attack, do a preemptive attack, to knock out the Iranian capability? Will America support it? What will China and Russia do? All of this is swirling around us once again as we realize we are coming down to a decision time. Diplomatic sanctions are not really working. And will the military option have to be played?
[Steve Myers] And there's no doubt the Middle East is the focus of Bible prophecy—Jerusalem in particular. In fact, we've talked a lot about it. We've had programs about it. We have lots of literature about the Middle East in Bible prophecy. It is a focal point for the end time.
[Darris McNeely] And that puts us back to exactly what Jesus said when He was asked what would be the signs of the end of the age and His comment about world conditions.
[Steve Myers] In Luke chapter 21 He said very specifically that "When you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified for these things must come to pass first." And then He said in verse 10, "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom" (Luke 21:9-10). So there will be a great tribulation. There will be a focus on difficulties in the Middle East and so we better be ready and we better be watching for that time.
[Darris McNeely] And when we hear of this talk that puts us once again to Christ's warning there and the idea of a warning and watching really puts us back to understanding what is our spiritual condition—is it on high alert? Is it strong enough to be able to properly discern the times and to know how strong our relationship with God is? That's the ultimate test for us as Christians.
[Steve Myers] That is it. It's not just watching the news, but it's making sure your spiritual life, you're watching that and you're ready for Christ's return.
[Darris McNeely] That's BT Daily. Join us next time.
Terrorist attacks that have shocked the entire world also brought home the fact that the Middle East impacts all of us, regardless of where we live.
Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible Center teaching Acts, Fundamentals of Belief and World News and Prophecy. He enjoys hunting, travel and reading and spending time with his grandchildren.
Steve is the Operation Manager for Ministerial and Member Services of the United Church of God. He is also an instructor at Ambassador Bible College and served as a host on the Beyond Today television program. Together, he and his wife, Kathe, have served God and His people for over 30 years.