I am convinced that the objectives of the US and Israel in the Iran war are in the best interests of both countries and the world: preventing Iran from having the nuclear weapons that would have been used in furtherance of the Shia Twelverism apocalyptic goals of the regime, and reducing the capacity of Iran for war and for promoting terrorism.
But even as these good things are accomplished, there may be another outcome from Operation Epic Fury. It may be setting the stage for the upcoming war of Ezekiel 38. God may be using the US and Israeli military forces as His tool to accomplish His plan for the world.
Chapter 38 of the prophetic Old Testament book of Ezekiel describes an upcoming surprise attack on Israel. It identifies the attacking parties (several nations led by Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Libya) and describes how the war swiftly ends (God will intervene and completely rout the attackers using supernatural means). But the prophecy doesn’t tell when this war will occur. It is still to be fulfilled and no other events are identified in Scripture as being prerequisites for this war. The Bible does not state where it falls in the sequence of upcoming end times events. My book “Lifeline, A Guide to Surviving the End Times” sets forth various views on the sequencing and why logic leads me to believe the war will occur shortly after the Rapture, or perhaps simultaneously with it (God certainly can multi-task).
Ezekiel chapter 38 describes a conventional attack, with Russia and Turkey motivated by the prospect of economic gain. Atomic weapons would endanger the plunder. Even so, Iran’s long-standing goal of destroying Israel would have tempted them to use such weapons- except now they have no prospect for nukes, few missiles, and no air force, so Iran is being reduced to providing ground forces for the future attack.
Ezekiel describes Israel (at the time of the attack) as being a peaceful and unsuspecting people, living without walls, gates, and bars. That hasn’t been the case since the modern state of Israel was formed, but the destruction of Iran’s military, its rulers, and its support engine for terrorist proxies may lead to a relative feeling of safety and peace for Israel. This would have seemed unlikely before Operation Epic Fury.
Ezekiel also describes the lackluster response of other nations to this invasion- essentially just hand-wringing and empty words; no other nation comes to the aid of Israel. Looking at how other nations have failed to provide support to the US and Israel in ending the multifaceted threat of Iran, and their timid response as Iran threatens the flow of oil that they need, it’s easy to envision a similar response to the invasion described in Ezekiel chapter 38.
But it raises the question of why the US, which is working so closely with Israel in decimating the Iranian regime, would not step up to help its ally. One explanation would be a future new administration in the US that is hostile to Israel, too fearful to act, or that has allowed the US military to become too weak to be a deterrent for such an attack.
This new administration might result simply from the democratic process, with future US voters making a bad choice. But it might also result from major future event(s) that drastically affect the strength and heart of America and its leaders. A cataclysmic natural disaster, economic collapse due to the ballooning national debt and hyperinflation, or a surprise nuclear attack might explain American weakness and paralysis. Any of these could cause the US to no longer be the world’s super power.
There is another possible explanation for this circumstance. When the Rapture occurs, America will be greatly impacted due to the millions of American Christians who will vanish “in the twinkling of an eye.” These will include many serving in critical positions. My novel “The Great New Deal” presents a fictional dramatization of events in America for those left behind after the Rapture (the story is lightened with a bit of parody).
So, while the ending of the Iranian theocratic terror regime is a good thing, it may also be a foreshadowing of bigger events. Ultimately, there will be the second coming of Jesus Christ, the Millennial Kingdom, and a new world without sin, but first there will be the Rapture of Christians, the Tribulation, and the battle of Armageddon. With which I must conclude, “Come soon, Lord Jesus.”
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