God is working in the world right now!

As you’ve seen, the United States and Israel are fighting together against Iran. When things like this happen, our community as Christadelphians, has often taken the opportunity to discuss what we expect from Bible prophecy and to talk about the return of Christ. We would like to do the same thing, but also add a few important reminders.

The Bible is a book filled with prophecy. Many of these prophecies have been fulfilled, and some of us have even seen prophecies fulfilled––such as the return of Israel to their land. We have seen vineyards and gardens planted, and the inhabitants drinking the wine and eating the fruit (Amos 9:14). We know that prophecy is real.

With that said, we see prophecies that speak of Persia coming against that land “whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 38:8) and the “king of the North” (connected to the king of historical Persia) coming “into the glorious land” (Daniel 11:41). We believe that there will be a time when Iran (along with others) stands against Israel. This battle brings about the return of Jesus to the earth.

We do not know if this conflagration connects to the battle that brings the Lord. Nevertheless, this serves as a reminder to us that the “Most High rules the kingdom of men” (Daniel 4:17). God is working. He is working in the world, and in a more personal sense, He works in our own lives. Our God is not a passive God.

At the same time as acknowledging that God is bringing about His son’s return, we should not forget the terrors of war and the damage wrought by modern weaponry. When nations attack one another, people suffer. God is not––and has never been––a God who rejoices in human suffering (Ezekiel 18:23). Instead, He is a God who longs for all people, everywhere, to know Him and to know hope. He is a God who seeks to someday remove suffering (Revelation 21:4).

This is a time of instability. It is a time of fear. But we know that one day, things will change. It could be that what we see right now is the beginning of this change. It also may not be. Regardless, let us stand firm in what we know, and let us stand firm in our belief that God is working and that there is hope. This is the hope that the world needs.