Purim 2.0

Happy Monday to our CFC family;

Today is Purim on the Jewish calendar, the celebration of God’s deliverance of His people in the days of Esther. It is the remembrance of a wicked decree reversed, of a genocidal plot exposed, and of a God who works behind the scenes to save His covenant people.

As many of you know, modern-day Iran is ancient Persia, the very land where Esther courageously risked her life before the king, and where Haman plotted the destruction of God’s people, only to bring his own wrath upon himself.

Today, that same region is experiencing its own “Haman moment,” facing the consequences of decades of hostility and oppression. Over the past fifty years, the Islamic Republic, led by an unelected Supreme Leader and enforced by the Revolutionary Guard, has ruled with severe oppression, brutal crackdowns on protest, and some of the highest execution rates in the world. Individuals have faced death sentences for political resistance, alleged blasphemy, or even something as simple as online posts that were considered offensive to the regime.

Beyond its borders, this region has long been a center of instability and terrorism. Much of the modern terrorist activity and regional conflict can be directly traced to Iranian leadership, including the arming, funding, and influence of groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen. Their chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” have been far more than slogans; they have been the repeated and enforced rallying cry of this hostile ideology and a persistent threat to regional peace for decades.

When recent military strikes took place, some critics labeled this the start of a “new war.” In reality, however, these actions are not the beginning of a new conflict, but rather the beginning of the end of a very old war. Decades of long-standing hostility are finally being confronted.

In Esther’s day, Haman built gallows for Mordecai and issued decrees of annihilation. He believed his power was secure in his hands, and yet Scripture says, “The tables were turned” (Esther 9:1). The very instrument of destruction that Haman prepared for his enemies, became the instrument of his own downfall.

It is difficult not to see the parallel to what’s happening now. A regime that has openly declared death upon others now finds devastation returning upon itself. The threats they repeated have come back around, and in that sense, this moment carries the unmistakable echo of a Haman experience, destroyed by their own hatred.

But here is an important point, Purim is NOT about vengeance. It is about deliverance!

God has positioned leaders and events “for such a time as this,” orchestrating circumstances far beyond human understanding to bring about deliverance and transformation.

And in the midst of all this, we must not forget the Iranian people. They are not defined by the actions of their oppressive regime, and their faith, hope, and longing for freedom should not be overlooked.

Today, revival fire is burning in ancient Persia, as thousands have come to faith in Jesus over the past year alone. Many of these new believers point to dreams and visions of Jesus as a powerful part of their journey to faith, highlighting the supernatural ways God is drawing people to Himself.

This is a testament that God’s Spirit is moving mightily despite persecution and decades of oppression. Since 1979, the Christian population inside Iran has grown from only a few thousand believers to estimates ranging in the hundreds of thousands, with some ministry researchers suggesting over a million professing believers, many in underground house churches.

Scripture reminds us in Daniel 4:17: “The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.”

God raises leaders. God positions nations. God moves history toward His purposes. Whether through kings of Persia or Presidents and Prime Ministers today, He is not absent from global affairs.

So what does the Church do in unprecedented days? We pray!

We pray for innocent Iranian civilians caught in the crossfire.

We pray for Israel, for its people, and for the civilians of surrounding nations who could still be threatened by attacks from this dying regime.

We pray against retaliatory actions that may be attempted in other parts of the world.

We pray for the leadership of Israel, and the United States, asking God to grant them wisdom, protection, courage, and clarity in decision-making.

We pray that this conflict reaches a decisive and successful conclusion that prevents greater devastation.

And we pray that Iran would rise, not merely politically altered, but spiritually awakened. Imagine a Persia renewed, a nation once known for decrees of death becoming known for revelation of life, a land of oppression transformed into a testimony of freedom and Gospel fire.

On this Purim, we remember that God reverses decrees, overturns threats, and delivers His people. For such a time as this, He calls His Church to stand in prayer.

Question: Besides prayer, what ways can you lift up both leaders and ordinary citizens in your prayers for protection and wisdom?

Have a great week and we’ll see you Sunday!

Pastor Dan