From My Perspective - - -

The world’s economic woes are a reality and many have become aware of the plight of nations in this regard. With the turmoil and uncertainty in the Middle East; with the near collapse of nations economically as bankruptcy looms; and with the undisciplined spending and increasing debts of the United States – it seems as though there is no rational resolve for the stress of nations and the peoples of the world.

Meanwhile, The Liberty Prayer Bulletin Reports on the religious plight of nations. Two nations that share a common border are Iraq and Iran. In regard to Iraq, the following is being reported in terms of the churches in that nation: “On Monday 15 August a bomb exploded outside Saint Ephrem's Syrian Orthodox Church in Al Ummal Square, central Kirkuk, causing major damage but no casualties. It was the third church bombing in Kirkuk in two weeks. The previous night, four bombs exploded simultaneously inside Kirkuk's Saint Afram Syriac Orthodox Church. Whilst there were no casualties, it was the first time insurgents had managed to detonate bombs planted inside a church. On 2 August, 15 people were wounded including church staff when a car bomb exploded about 5:30am outside the Holy Family Syrian Catholic church in Kirkuk. Bombs were subsequently found and defused outside the Saint Giwargis Church of the East and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in the Almass district. Kirkuk Archbishop Louis Sako told Aid to the Church in Need, 'This is only happening because we are Christians. Maybe the people responsible want to empty the city of Christians. Please pray for us. Pray for peace and stability. We are afraid.' Pray for Iraq's besieged Christians.”

In Iran, the viewpoint is larger and broader than just the churches. The Liberty Prayer Bulletin Reports: “Under President Mahmud Ahmadinejad Iran has become more assertive in its quest to lead the Muslim world in Islamic Revolution. The regime has been greatly aided towards this by the war in Iraq which has dramatically altered the balance of power in the Middle East. To woo Arabs and Sunni Muslims into its axis, ascendant Iran is cranking up its anti-Israel and anti-US rhetoric while taking every opportunity to demonstrate its superior Islamic credentials. Support for international terrorism, state violence and religious persecution are at an all-time high. The American Centre for Law and Justice reports at least 285 Christians were arrested in 35 cities in Iran during the first six months of 2011 without any public reaction.”

It appears that a threefold strategy is unfolding – (1) economic collapse worldwide and the devaluing of currency; (2) persecution of churches and Christians in Iran, Sudan and elsewhere; (3) plans for a military revolution and nuclear dominance in the Middle East. While these events are occurring rapidly in our world, it appears that the Governments of the world and the Christian Church can only opine with generalizations and speeches. All seem unprepared and devoid of reasonable alternatives and/or solution. When President of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations on September 23, 2011, he referred to it as the “Theater of the Absurd.” He then closed his remarks with an appeal to the words of the Prophet Isaiah – Isaiah 60. The context of the passage 60:1-6) is the future hope and reality for Israel with eschatological overtones: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Shebashall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.” This will occur suddenly! Consider these things with me!