“When the Dust Settles”

No one really knows what it’ll look like:
Except for God.
Yes, no one knows what’ll be the outcome after this war with Iran is over.  One thing is certain: Iran’s military and nuclear bomb aspirations will be virtually non-existent.  And, it’ll be interesting to see who becomes the new head of the nation formerly known as Persia.
Some think it will be Ayatollah’s Khameini’s son, while others are hoping it’ll be Razi Pahvli, son of now-deceased Mohammed Reza Pahvili, who ruled over Iran from 1941-1979. 
Why is that?  Because Pahvili was more moderate in his beliefs and sought to reform the nation through major investments in infrastructure, subsidies, land grants for peasant populations, nationalization of Iran’s natural resources, literacy programs, etc.
All that changed with Ayatollah Khomeini took control in 1979 and established the oppressive, militant Muslim Islamic Republic.  So, again, it’ll be interesting to see what happens after the dust settles from the current conflict.
For sure, it’ll take a groundswell movement of the Iranian people to see Pahvili ushered into power.  And, this will require the raising up of a new military from the ground out lest the Muslim extremists continue their oppressive, murderous ways against the people.
Let’s suppose that happens: what other things will happen in the region?
As we’ve already seen, the other Muslim nations that have been attacked by Iran are now banding together in solidarity.  President Trump’s new Board of Peace will continue to oversee the recovery of the Gaza Strip and the dismantling of Hamas through a newly-formed military and police force.
Then, tensions will lessen and a new spirit of cooperation will emerge between Israel and her surrounding neighbors: primarily because Iran no longer poses the existential threat it’s been for the past 47 years.
As Gaza is rebuilt—and Hamas and Hezbollah are further destabilized—there’ll be increased trade between the nations.  The area will begin to boom economically as other outside nations begin to invest in infrastructure and businesses.
Israel will continue to stay vigilant militarily and heavily involved in maintaining law-and-order in the region.  And, slowly, but surely, we’ll begin to see more Biblical prophecies fulfilled: particularly when it comes to the building of a Third Temple on the Temple Mount.
For sure, the main obstacles (right now) to this is the presence of the Golden Dome on the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque: two of Islam’s holiest sites.  
Interestingly, on Saturday, February 28, an Iranian missile hit only a few hundred yards away from the Temple Mount but didn’t explode.  If it had hit the Mount and exploded, it could have possibly destroyed both of those sites, along with the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, etc.
Could it be—in an attempt to accommodate both Jewish and Muslim nations—that the two sides will agree to let Israel rebuild the Temple next to the Golden Dome of the Rock?  There’s still adequate room for it to be built there according to Ezekiel’s dimensions.
Definitely, “Food for Thought” in light of Biblical eschatology and current events.
Let’s suppose that happens; yes, let’s suppose this cooperative coalition agrees to that (along with a joint governorship of Jerusalem) and the already-cut cornerstone is laid.  What then?
Well, according to II Thessalonians 2:1-4 the Anti-Christ—the “Man of Lawlessness” —will have been revealed: for he’s the only one who can pull this off.  And, once the cornerstone is laid, Jesus could return at any minute as He promised.
Interesting speculation, to say the least.
Thus, the most important things to remember right now are: 1. God is still in control; 2. Nothing happens apart from His Direction or Permission (including those who rise to power); 3. When the time’s right, Jesus will come again and make things right.
Until then, we should keep our eyes on Him and be ready: for, “In such an hour as you think not, the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 24:36-44).  Are you ready??


        (NOTE:  If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can e-mail him at pressingon@hotmail.com).