This past week, Israel launched a large-scale military attack against Iran. Since Iranian officials have long declared their goal to annihilate the Jewish state, it’s understandable that Israeli leaders would act to prevent their hostile neighbor from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran immediately retaliated with a barrage of long-range missiles aimed at Tel Aviv and the surrounding area.
The escalation in the Middle East brings to mind a sobering prophecy in Zechariah 12:2–3:
“I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.”
No modern nation is more frequently targeted or globally scrutinized than Israel. Its landmass is roughly the size of New Jersey, its population just under ten million. Compared to the size and population of surrounding Muslim nations, Israel is a speck on the map—yet it remains the epicenter of international tension. Though surrounded by larger and often hostile nations, Israel dominates headlines and is regularly portrayed as the source of instability that could ignite World War III.
Even though Iran has pledged to destroy Israel, some critics call Israel’s preemptive strike “disproportionate.” Even though Hamas launched a vicious surprise attack on October 7, 2023—killing over a thousand Israelis and taking hundreds of hostages—Israel is the one accused of genocide. Even though Israel has long stood as an ally of the United States, pro-Palestinian sentiment is surging on college campuses. Even though God promised to bless those who bless Abraham’s descendants and to curse those who curse them, antisemitism is spreading again around the world.
The prophet Zechariah warned that all nations would gather against Israel, but that Jerusalem would be an “immovable rock”—a burden too heavy to move. Unfortunately, many Americans seem ambivalent about it. Maybe it’s due to years of conflict, constant headlines, and doctrinal confusion that have dulled concern for what the Bible says about the role of Israel in the end times. Yet there’s been a concerning trend among some evangelical circles to dismiss Israel’s significance and to downplay Bible prophecy altogether. Many pastors scoff at the idea of preaching about Christ’s return, with prophecy often treated like a punchline. Just as in Noah’s day, people willfully ignore the obvious warnings—assuming everything will continue as normal—despite the fulfillment of prophecies and the promised judgment of God.
While some debate the prophetic significance of modern Israel, Scripture is clear: God chose Israel to play a central role in His redemptive story. Through the Jewish people, God gave the Law, the Prophets, and ultimately the Messiah. Regardless of one’s views on end-times timelines, Christians are called to reject antisemitism, to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and to recognize that God’s promises—including the promise of salvation through Jesus—are for both Jew and Gentile alike. The land may be disputed, but God’s heart for His people is not.
And no matter where you land on end-times theology—Jesus’ warning about the end times remains unshakably clear.
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:37–41)
In light of these warnings, how should we live? Peter tells us:
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:10–13)
None of us can predict how serious the current Middle East conflict will become. It may die down quickly and lasting peace will be restored. Or it could spiral into something much larger, drawing in world powers and escalating into global crisis. But one thing is clear: this is no time to be spiritually indifferent.
It’s time to get our house in order.
“Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)
Bob Russell is Retired Senior Minister of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY.