Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his nation will deliver a harsh blow to "global arrogance" on this year's anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Ahmadinejad is a religious zealot who believes that the Muslim messiah, al-Mahdi will come on the world scene in the midst of a worldwide conflict between nations. He has made it clear that he believes his calling from Allah is to stir up the conflagration between nations which brings forth al-Mahdi. This makes Ahmadinejad very dangerous.

I have found it fascinating that Liberals expressed such strong hatred for President George W. Bush. Certainly he got us into a war that was very unpopular but as I drilled down to the root reason they hated Bush so much, it was because he was an Evangelical Christian. A major reason unbelievers fear having a Bible-believing Christian in power is that decisions would be made that brings on Armageddon so that Christ would return. The Iraq war was seen as such a decision.

Liberals fear self-fulfilling prophecy. This fear comes from not understanding the nature of God. Liberals who don’t know God dismiss the idea that there is a Sovereign Creator who is in control of His creation. Yes, people are free to make choices, but God is Almighty enough for His will to be done despite the free will decisions of individuals.

What unbelievers have a hard time getting their arms around is that Bible-believing Christians know that God has a purpose for us here in this world. We are here to prepare for eternity and to take any action that would cut that time short would be a sin against God. The Apostle Paul expressed it this way… “For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23-24, NKJ).

Yes, we look forward to Christ’s return because it will be our transition to an even better life in the presence of our Savior. But we will have all eternity for that better life, we should take full advantage of the prep-time we have in this world because it is limited. As Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).

It is interesting to note that the very thing Liberals fear is what Ahmadinejad seeks to do. Yet Liberals don’t hate Ahmadinejad like they do Bush, they think we can appease him with kind words and reason. Spiritual warfare is real and has violent manifestations in this world. I can’t imagine facing the dangers of this world without the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

We don’t know what will happen on February 11th but the best way to be ready is… “draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8).