There is a prophetic firestorm happening right in front of our eyes.
During a recent broadcast, Joseph Z and Perry Stone explored the growing tension across the Middle East, framing current events as part of a larger spiritual and geopolitical shift that is capturing the attention of many believers worldwide.
In this conversation, Stone immediately pointed to Iran. “I’m very stirred and very interested in what is happening in Iran,” he said, explaining, “Iran is the modern name. The biblical name would be Persia, but it would also be Elam.”
Stone then shared what he said came from leaders he’d met from the underground church. “They said that the underground church was…literally exploding in the country of Iran,” he recounted, noting believers must meet quietly because “they would be arrested…if they were caught.”
He described the sobering warnings given to new believers, especially women: “When young women of any age come to know Christ… the first thing we warn them is, ‘You do know that you could be killed for your faith if you’re caught.’” Yet he said many respond with unwavering resolve: “We understand that,” and believe “the torture that we have to go through for a season is worth eternity with the Lord.”
From there, Stone pivoted to Gaza, calling it “a complete disaster zone,” and pointing to proposed rebuilding efforts. “One of the things they’re talking about is turning Gaza into this paradise,” he said, describing ideas like “building these huge skyscrapers along the coast.” But he emphasized the obstacle: “You’re not going to have any kind of building or peace with Hamas from the military branch in the way of thinking they have.”
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To frame Gaza prophetically, Stone read from Isaiah, noting the passage’s language about “Palestina.” “The Palestinians call themselves Palestinian,” he said, “and they call the land that they want…they call it Palestine.” He quoted Isaiah 14: “Rejoice not thou whole Palestina…For out of the serpent’s root shall come forth a cockatrice… and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.” Stone then connected that imagery to Revelation, arguing, “That word dragon is actually a Greek word for serpent…It literally should be translated [as] a great red serpent.”
As global tensions continue to tighten and alliances shift in ways few predicted even a decade ago, the bigger question may not be simply what is happening, but why it is happening now. The world is entering a season in which decisions made in the shadows could shape generations to come, and the church must decide whether to watch from the sidelines or discern the times and respond with clarity, conviction, and faith.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
