As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, Pastor Greg Laurie is urging Christians to respond with biblical clarity rather than fear, pointing to Israel’s central role in Scripture and the growing significance of Iran in global events.
In a recent episode of his program, The Greg Laurie Show, addressing Iran and Israel, Laurie framed current headlines through the lens of biblical prophecy, emphasizing that while events may be alarming, they should not surprise believers.
Israel at the Center of Prophecy
Laurie described Israel as “God’s prophetic time clock,” arguing that the modern rebirth of the nation marked a major turning point in biblical history.
“It all starts on May 14, 1948,” Laurie said. “Israel became a nation. … When this happened, this would be a sign of the times and effectively the prophetic time clock would start ticking.”
Laurie noted that Israel’s return to the land followed centuries of exile, something he called unprecedented in world history. He said the Holocaust played a central role in shaping the modern Jewish state, as the Jewish people realized “no one was going to look out for them” and they needed to defend themselves.
Antisemitism and a Spiritual Conflict
Laurie traced modern antisemitism back to Scripture, arguing that hostility toward the Jewish people is not merely political but spiritual.
“This hatred against the Jews … goes back to the Garden of Eden,” Laurie said, pointing to God’s promise that the Messiah would come through Israel.
He criticized slogans such as “from the river to the sea,” saying they amount to a call for Israel’s destruction. “They’re really saying we don’t want the Jews. We don’t want them in their land,” Laurie said.
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Iran’s Ideology and End-Times Beliefs
Laurie warned that Iran’s threat to Israel is driven by more than geopolitics. He said Iran’s leadership embraces a form of Islamic eschatology that views chaos as a pathway to redemption.
“They believe the way they will prepare the way for their Messiah is creating chaos,” Laurie said. “And that’s what they’ve been doing for a long time, provoking Israel and the West.”
Laurie also highlighted Iran’s role in sponsoring terrorist organizations, noting that the regime has repeatedly expressed a desire to eliminate Israel.
Ezekiel 38 and a Foreshadowing, Not Fulfillment
Laurie referenced Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, which describe a future invasion of Israel involving Persia, the ancient name for Iran.
“Is this a fulfillment of what the Bible predicted?” Laurie asked. “I would classify it as a foreshadowing, not necessarily a complete fulfillment.”
He added that Russia’s growing alignment with Iran is noteworthy, given that Ezekiel describes Persia marching alongside Gog, a figure many associate with Russia.
“We’re seeing things play out today the Bible predicted thousands of years ago,” Laurie said.
Prophecy Should Prepare, Not Terrify
Despite the sobering nature of the subject, Laurie emphasized that biblical prophecy is meant to reassure believers.
“Bible prophecy is not given to scare us, but to prepare us,” he said. “When these things happen, we should not be terrified, but reassured that God is keeping His promises.”
Laurie urged Christians to remain watchful but calm, quoting Jesus’ instruction to “look up” rather than panic.
Pray for Peace and Be Ready
Laurie closed by stressing that awareness of prophecy does not mean hoping for war.
“We don’t want Armageddon to come,” he said. “We want to see peace in the Middle East. … The Bible says, ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.’”
At the same time, he reminded believers that the return of Christ could happen at any moment.
“There is nothing that needs to happen for the rapture to take place,” Laurie said. “That’s why the Bible tells us repeatedly to watch and be ready.”
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
