By Greg Laurie

The attack of Iran on Israel on April 13, 2024 was unprecedented. We know that Iran has sponsored terrorism for a long time, working with proxy groups like the Houthis, Hezbollah, and, of course, Hamas on that horrific attack on the Jewish homeland on October 7th — where 1,200 people were butchered and murdered. It is unbelievable. And there are still so many being held as hostages. But when Iran directly attacked Israel, that is literally without precedent, and it has Bible prophecy significance.

Now, we had this solar eclipse recently and some people thought that that was a sign of the times, even a warning of an impending judgment on America. And as you recall, I said I did not agree with that position. It is true the Bible says that in the last days the sun will not give its light and the power of the heavens will be shaken, but that is speaking specifically of the tribulation period.

End Times Events

Let me give you just a quick flyover of end times events chronologically. Number one, I think the next event on the prophetic calendar is the Rapture of the Church. Then, the Antichrist emerges on the scene and the tribulation period begins. The tribulation ends with the Second Coming of Christ, and then the Lord establishes the Millennium (the 1,000-year reign of Christ).

In the tribulation period, that is when the sun will not give its light and the moon will be darkened, as the Bible predicts. That has not yet happened. So, the eclipse was not a sign of the end times. It was just an amazing eclipse.

Was the Attack of Iran on Israel Bible Prophecy?

Setting that aside, I do believe the attack of Iran on Israel was a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. A sign of the end times, according to Scripture, is the Jewish people will be regathered together in their homeland. That has happened. On May 14, 1948, Israel officially became a nation. And you might say the prophetic time clock began to tick. That was not just a sign, that was a super sign.

But the Bible had more to say. Not only will the Jews be regathered together in their homeland, but they will be increasingly isolated. That’s happening. The Bible also predicted the rise of antisemitism in the end times. That is happening. The Bible also predicts a large nation to the north of Israel, identified in Ezekiel as Magog, will attack her. That has not yet happened. Many scholars believe that Magog is a reference to modern-day Russia. I concur with that view, but no one can say with absolute certainty.

But this we can say with certainty: One of the allies of Russia will be Persia. Persia was the name of Iran. They changed their name in 1935. Therefore, Persia, or Iran, attacking Israel is predicted in the Bible. And guess what? That just happened.

Will This Lead to Ezekiel 38?

Now, am I suggesting that what just took place is going to lead to the scenario of Ezekiel 38? I don’t think that’s necessarily the case, but it certainly is a cause for us to sit up and pay attention.

You know, Jesus said, “So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near” (Luke 21:28 NLT). I’m so thankful to say that, though 300 Iranian drones, missiles, and rockets were sent toward Israel, 99% of them were taken down by the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and other technology that America has provided for the nation Israel.

It is in the best interest of the United States of America to stand with our loyal ally, the nation Israel. God made a promise to Abraham years ago; He said, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you” (Genesis 12:3 NKJV). One of the reasons God has blessed the United States is because we have stood by our friend Israel. And I hope we continue to do so.

What Happens Next?

I don’t know what will happen next. . . Will Israel retaliate? Again, I don’t know. But Jesus said, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28 NKJV). He did not say, “When you see these things begin to happen, freak out because we’re all dead.” No. Look up!

Here’s something else Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself. . .” (John 14:2–3 NKJV) But then He says, “. . .Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 NKJV).

Jesus is coming again. God is in control. But let’s pray for our friends in Israel. Let’s pray for the Jewish people. If you’re reading this right now and you’re Jewish, I want you to know that your evangelical friends stand with you now in your hour of need.

Let’s continue to pray for this nation of Israel, that God would protect them, that God would lead them, and let’s all make sure we’re ready to meet the Lord — because, well, He could come back at any time.

Above content shared with permission. Originally published at Greg’s Blog.

Greg Laurie is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship with campuses in California and Hawaii. He began his pastoral ministry at the age of 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people…

…In 2020 and in partnership with Kingdom Story Company, Laurie premiered his first-ever cinematic crusade, A Rush of Hope, viewed by over 2 million people in its opening weekend…

…In February 2023, Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate released Jesus Revolution, which is the story of Greg and Cathe’s life and the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and ’70s. It stars Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie and is based on Greg’s book of the same title…

Read Laurie’s complete bio on the Harvest website here: About Greg Laurie (harvest.org)

Greg Laurie on X (formerly Twitter): @greglaurie