As unrest ripples across the Middle East following the death of Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei, Pastor Greg Laurie is urging believers to see more than political upheaval. He says this is a moment to watch, to pray and to remember that Christ is coming.
In a recent message, Laurie said the Ayatollah’s death has sent “shock waves throughout the Middle East and indeed around the world.” Yet inside Iran, many are celebrating.
“Many of them are literally dancing in the streets and celebrating because the hope is that there will be a new day in the great nation of Iran,” he said.
A Church Growing Under Pressure
Laurie noted that while the regime has cracked down on protesters and persecuted Christians, the church continues to grow.
“Some estimates say there are as many as 1 million Christians in Iran today,” he said, expressing hope that the number will increase.
He called on believers to pray not only for political change but for spiritual awakening. “Yes, we want to see a revolution, but more than a political revolution, we want to see a spiritual revolution, a Jesus revolution.”
Persia and Its Prophetic Past
Laurie reminded listeners that Iran was once known as Persia. “Don’t forget that the book of Esther unfolds in Persia,” he said, recounting how Esther intervened to save the Jewish people. He also pointed to Cyrus the Great in the book of Daniel, who helped the Jews return to Jerusalem.
“Persia has a rich history,” Laurie said.
That history, he added, connects to Bible prophecy. In Ezekiel 38, a northern power called Magog marches against Israel, and Persia is listed as an ally. While many associate Magog with modern-day Russia, Laurie cautioned against setting dates.
“When will that happen? We can’t really be sure,” he said. “But any turmoil in this part of the world should cause us to pay attention.”
Prophecy Is Meant to Prepare
Laurie quoted Jesus’ words: “When you see these things begin to happen, look up for your redemption is drawing near.”
“I know this can all be very frightening, but Bible prophecy is not given to scare us, but to prepare us,” he said.
As far as he can see, the next event on the prophetic calendar is the rapture of the church. Laurie described it as the moment believers are “caught up” to meet the Lord, noting the term comes from the Greek word harpazo.
After the rapture, he said, the Antichrist will emerge, followed by the seven-year tribulation, the battle of Armageddon, the second coming of Christ and the 1,000-year reign known as the Millennium.
Watching and Praying
“Jesus is coming,” Laurie said. “So let’s be watching and let’s be ready.”
He urged prayer for both Iran and Israel and asked believers to focus on the spread of the gospel.
Take comfort in knowing that God is at work and redemption is drawing near.
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. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
