The Lodestar

Reading the Times with Discernment

The Israel-Iran conflict demands more than headlines and hashtags; it calls for biblical discernment. Jesus warned of “wars and rumours of wars” and cautioned not to be alarmed, for such things must take place, but they are not the end (Matthew 24:6). Instead of reacting with fear or partisanship, Christians are called to view these events through the lens of Scripture. The Middle East has long been a focal point of global tension; however, believers must avoid simplistic readings of prophecy or nationalistic interpretations. Israel is significant in redemptive history, but so is the church, which now embodies the people of God through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:28—29). Therefore, our hope must be rooted in Christ, not geopolitical outcomes.

Rejecting Political Idolatry

Christians must be cautious not to baptise political ideologies as divine mandates. Aligning blindly with any nation risks replacing the cross with a flag. While some believers passionately support Israel due to biblical ties, that support should never obscure the call to justice, mercy, and peace for all peoples, including Iranians, Palestinians, and others affected by war. We must love our neighbours (Matthew 22:39), even when they are on opposing sides. National conflicts do not cancel our call to compassion. Jesus did not take sides in the politics of his day; instead, he called all to repentance and pointed to a kingdom not of this world (John 18:36).

Choosing Prayer over Panic

Rather than fuelling social media outrage or end-times speculation, Christians are called to pray. The apostle Paul urged that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all in high positions” (1 Timothy 2:1—2). In conflict zones, behind every headline is human suffering—families displaced, children orphaned, communities shattered. Prayer acknowledges God’s sovereignty and invites divine mercy in the midst of chaos. It also reorients our hearts away from fear and toward faithful action. We must pray for peace in the region, for leaders to act with wisdom, and for the church in these nations to remain steadfast.

Acting as Peacemakers

Christians are not mere observers of war; we are witnesses of peace. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), not the passive or the partisan. This means advocating for a ceasefire, supporting humanitarian relief, and resisting the dehumanisation of any group. In practical terms, churches can support global mission partners, donate to relief organisations, and educate their congregations on how to love enemies—not just in theory, but through sacrificial action. The gospel calls us to go beyond tribalism, to offer refuge, not rejection.

Living in Hope, Not Fear

Ultimately, Christians are people of hope. While the world may spiral into conflict, our eyes remain fixed on a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). War may rage in the Middle East, but Christ reigns over history. He will bring justice to the nations and peace to the earth. Until then, we respond not with fear or frenzy, but with prayer, peacemaking, and gospel faithfulness.

(Thangchinlian Guite, with a lifelong passion for writing, finds joy in weaving his imagination into words on paper.)