Israel & Iran: A brighter future ahead?

The Islamic Republic of Iran is perhaps the most threatening regime in modern history for both the citizens of Iran and her democracy-minded neighbors. With a special malice towards Israel and the U.S., the biggest danger coming from the IRI is in its toying with nuclear power. Like Hamas and Hezbollah, the IRI shares the same ideology: to wipe Israel off of the map. Iran and Israel have had a complex relationship over the generations, with the Islamic revolution being what looked like a death sentence to any possible resurrection of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Unfortunately, when many think of Iran, they first associate the nation with its brutal, extremist government. Many Iranian expats (hundreds of thousands who fled Iran during the revolution) have lamented over their nation’s former glory and freedom, although even in the time of the Shahs, Iran had its major struggles. A brave and passionate people, many Iranians have boldly risked and laid down their lives to protest their terrorist government. Mahsa Amini, the 22 year old who was accused of “immodesty” and was subsequently murdered by the Islamic Republic’s “morality police” (Gasht-e Ershad), became one of the most recognizable victims of the IRI’s sadism. In response, many women burned hijabs, cut their hair and joined protests that led to more violence from police. In Israel during this time, Iranian Jews rallied in solidarity with the Iranian people. Mahsa Amini became only one of many citizen murders and executions carried out under the IRI.

As the IRI remains zealous in its radical Islamist agenda, many Iranians long for, fight for and pray for a better future. Alongside the suffering and destruction that the Iranian people have suffered at the hands of their government, has come a thirst and openness for the Gospel. And for many Iranians who are embracing their Jewish Messiah, a love for Israel has become the organic response. Could Iran’s extremist government actually be setting the stage for a future restoration? Some Iranian Christians maintain the unwavering hope that there is a special, God ordained restoration for Iran, which would most likely include a restored relationship with Israel as well. Scriptural references give life to this hope, as seen in Jeremiah 49:38-39: “Then I will set My throne in Elam,

And eliminate from there the king and officials,’Declares the Lord.‘But it will come about in the last days That I will restore the fortunes of Elam,’” Declares the Lord.”

And while some believe this prophecy has already been fulfilled or at least partially fulfilled, others cling to passages like these pointing to a future, restored Iran.

The Iranian underground church remains one of the fastest growing on earth, with Iranian Christians transforming into some of the most devoted and outspoken for Yeshua and against Islam (perhaps no one hates Islam more than former Muslim believers). Along with this passion comes a profound and even supernatural love and longing for the nation and people of their Messiah. In fact, the passion with which many Iranian believers long to connect with the roots of their faith puts most Western Christians to shame. The Iranian believers who have embraced Israel and the Jewish people are a beacon of hope for a better Iran, and are also the living, miraculous proof that Yeshua alone brings authentic peace, reconciliation and hope for all nations.