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I was recently asked to reflect on how followers of Jesus should think about the turbulence in the Middle East. In that conversation with Decision Magazine—the publication of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association—I sought to explain what we are seeing, why it matters, and how Christians can respond with both clarity and compassion.
The Shifting Landscape in the Region
The Middle East is at an inflection point. Wars, peace negotiations, and spiritual hunger are colliding all at once. As I told Decision, “What’s happening in the Middle East right now is the most dramatic series of changes in the region since 1979 and maybe even since the rebirth of Israel in 1948.” [Source: Decision Magazine]
That’s not hyperbole. Iran’s regime has suffered staggering losses. Arab states are opening doors to peace with Israel. And at the same time, an unprecedented number of Jews and Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus.
Iran’s Losses and Israel’s Challenges
Iran’s leaders have been dealt humiliating blows. As I explained, “Their top generals are being killed. Their nuclear program has been degraded. Their missile and drone forces have been struck repeatedly. And their proxies are taking serious hits.” [Source: Decision Magazine]
But while the military and political pressure is real, the spiritual reality is this: Iran’s theology of hate is unbroken. Its desire to dominate the region and eradicate Israel remains.
The Rise of New Peace Efforts
In contrast, the Arab and Muslim world is exploring normalization with Israel. This is a story of hope most media overlook. I told Decision, “More and more Arab and Muslim countries are talking about peace treaties with Israel. Saudi Arabia. Lebanon. Even places like Indonesia and Mauritania are being discussed.” [Source: Decision Magazine]
If even part of this comes to fruition, it will mark one of the most significant breakthroughs in decades. And Christians should be the first to recognize the opportunity for stability, human flourishing, and Gospel advance.
The Spiritual Harvest
Perhaps most surprising to many is the spiritual awakening happening across the region. As I noted in the interview, “More Jews and more Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus Christ than at any other time in history.” [Source: Decision Magazine]
This is not the work of politics. It is the work of the Spirit of God. Amid suffering, fear, and uncertainty, people are finding hope not in governments or ideologies, but in the cross and empty tomb of Jesus Christ.
The Call to Peacemaking
What then is the role of Christians? We live in the tension between knowing only Christ’s return brings final peace, and knowing He has commanded us to pursue peace in the meantime. As I reminded Decision readers, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). The psalmist exhorts us to “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Paul urges us to live at peace with everyone “so far as it depends on you” (Romans 12:18).
That means we pray for peace efforts, support leaders who pursue it, and reject the temptation to dismiss every initiative as deception.
Our Palestinian Neighbors
One area I am deeply concerned about is how believers view Palestinians. We are called to love both Israelis and Palestinians. As I said in the interview, “Jesus loved the Jews, but He also loved Samaritans, Gentiles, and even Romans. We must not neglect our Palestinian neighbors.” [Source: Decision Magazine]
Palestinian Christians—especially in Gaza—are carrying heavy burdens. Many have lost homes, loved ones, and churches. Yet they are called, as we are, to bear witness to the hope of Christ in the midst of suffering. They need encouragement, prayer, and tangible support.
How to Pray
Please join me in praying for:
- Messianic Jewish believers in Israel — for protection, resilience, encouragement, and fruitful ministry.
- Palestinian Christians — for courage, provision, and the planting of new fellowships in the spirit of Acts 2.
- Regional leaders — for wisdom, boldness, and openness to pursue peace.
- Spiritual harvest — that millions more Jews, Muslims, and others in the region would discover the love and salvation of Christ.
Conclusion
We are living in extraordinary days. Shaking, suffering, and opportunity are colliding in ways unseen for generations. Yet this is not a time for despair. It is a time for prayer, for Gospel advance, and for the Church to rise as both truth-tellers and peacemakers.
As I told Decision Magazine, “God is at work in the Middle East in powerful, historic ways. Let’s not miss it. Let’s lean into it.” [Source: Decision Magazine]
Source: https://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/articles/a-biblical-perspective-on-the-middle-east
Related: https://joshuafund.com/learn/latest-news/inside-the-epicenter-a-global-voice-for-faith-geopolitics-and-hope/
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A Biblical Perspective on the Middle East
I was recently asked to reflect on how followers of Jesus should think about the turbulence in the Middle East. In that conversation with Decision Magazine—the publication of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association—I sought to explain what we are seeing, why it matters, and how Christians can respond with both clarity and compassion. The Shifting Landscape in the Region The
Kelli Drury, Executive Director of The Joshua Fund
Kelli Drury is the Executive Director of The Joshua Fund and a seasoned non-profit leader with over 30 years of experience in Christian ministry management.
Inside The EPICENTER®: A Global Voice for Faith, Geopolitics and Hope
When New York Times best‑selling author Joel C. Rosenberg launched Inside The Epicenter on December 8, 2020, he knew he wanted to offer more than another political commentary show. Now, he and his wife and co‑host, Lynn A. Rosenberg, connect breaking news from the Middle East with Biblical prophecy and prayer.
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Kelli Drury, Executive Director of The Joshua Fund
Kelli Drury is the Executive Director of The Joshua Fund and a seasoned non-profit leader with over 30 years of experience in Christian ministry management.
Inside The EPICENTER®: A Global Voice for Faith, Geopolitics and Hope
When New York Times best‑selling author Joel C. Rosenberg launched Inside The Epicenter on December 8, 2020, he knew he wanted to offer more than another political commentary show. Now, he and his wife and co‑host, Lynn A. Rosenberg, connect breaking news from the Middle East with Biblical prophecy and prayer.
Join a Wartime Church Service with Joel & Lynn Rosenberg’s Jerusalem Congregation
As I write this, it has been 32 hours since all the cell phones in Israel woke us up at 3 am with a very unusual message: We are in a State of Extreme National Emergency. Stay near a place of shelter. All gatherings, educational and work activities are cancelled until further notice. We were told to check that our bomb shelters were prepared and stocked with food and water.