Unrest in Iran
There is significant unrest in the streets of Iran, and dozens of demonstrators have reportedly been killed in recent days, including during a reported raid on a civilian hospital. Demonstrations in Iran have been frequent in recent years and have often centered on the lack of human rights, especially for women in the country. Numerous world leaders have spoken out in defense of the Iranian people and U.S. President Donald Trump said that if peaceful protestors continue to be attacked, the U.S. will come to their aid.
Analysis and eternal perspective: Many of the principles from our previous story apply here. The Iranian people, and especially the women of Iran, have suffered greatly under an oppressive regime. It is common to hear about the human desire for freedom, and that is typically expressed in terms of political freedom. To be sure, political mechanisms play a large role in securing in practical terms what the U.S. Declaration of Independence describes as rights and freedoms “endowed by our Creator.”
But in order for you to have maximum impact in this space, it is critical that you root your understanding of freedom in scriptural truth. God’s word talks a LOT about freedom, including the tangible concept of day-to-day freedom our headline stories invoke. But true freedom in Jesus is about far more than liberty in daily life. It extends to an eternal hold on the promise of shedding the bonds of this temporary home. It includes the promise of walking in that eternal freedom even on this side of heaven.
While there are many passages that discuss this truth, you would do well to meditate on Galatians 5:1 and John 8:36 today (both are included below). Taken together, you will find you were created to be free and that a rooting in truth can realize that freedom.
As you take hold of a freedom that is secure beyond the reaches of this world, stand in the gap for the Iranian people who are largely without earthly freedom. Pray specifically that as many of them risk their lives in pursuit of that earthly freedom, they would come to know the deeper, eternal, and true freedom for which they were created.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1).
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (Jn. 8:36).
The preceding article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.