How Should Christians Think and Pray About the Protests in Iran?
As the world watches the events unfold inside Iran, many wonder if this is “it”? Is this when the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will be replaced? Is this when Iran is finally free?
Also, there are many looming questions about what exactly is going on inside of Iran? Since January 8, the country has been on an internet blackout, and information has been coming out in pieces.
Elon Musk has tried to help provide internet coverage, but the Iranian government has quickly moved to seize Starlink receivers. Still, trickles of information have been flowing out of Iran, and it seems there are massive casualties among protestors of all ages.
So what are Christians to make of all this?
A COMPLICATED CONTEXT
I live in a city very near Iran and am surrounded by neighbors and relationships with deep ties to the country. I had an awkward moment yesterday morning while on the elevator with my next-door neighbor. He’s always super friendly to me, and while not rude, there was a bit of tension in the air. He’s a devout Shia Muslim with a wife who wears the hijab and often travels back and forth to Iran. One can only assume he has certain sympathies with Iran’s theocracy.
Another Iranian acquaintance told my wife that these protestors “don’t believe in God.” Those who side with the regime are typically high-practice Shias and think those who oppose the government are not “God-fearing.”
The reality for the opposition is more nuanced, with many of the protesters maintaining some level of Islamic affiliation. Most were born into the faith, though a growing number of the younger generation have moved away from religious practice or abandoned belief in God entirely.
Considering this from all sides, I think the first thing to remember is that we are talking about people of whom 99% are not followers of Jesus. While we hope for justice and righteous leadership in Iran, we also know that true freedom only comes through Jesus. If Iran is liberated from the oppression of theocratic rule, they will still be enslaved to their sins.
What about those who are followers of Jesus?
A POTENTIALLY HIGH PRICE FOR CHRISTIANS
Unfortunately, if this coup fails and the Supreme Leader stays in power, then they will likely pay a heavy price. Why? Last summer, when the U.S. bombed the Iranian nuclear facilities, several leaders were rounded up across the country and prosecuted as agents of global Zionism. Christian leaders often travel outside Iran to nearby countries for training, and these activities (travel histories) were one thing used against some of them in sham trials.
One can imagine if these protests die down or if potential Western interventions are unsuccessful, the underground church, among others, will suffer yet again.
Those of us who have walked with Iranian believers for years hope and pray for a free Iran. We long for an Iran that promotes freedom of religion and protections for religious minorities. We also know that religious freedom or revival is not a guarantee with the fall of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We understand this is a complex situation that calls for prayer and watchfulness. We remain ready to aid our brothers and sisters, come what may. For now, we pray:
- Pray that the light of Christ will shine in their darkness! May God use the upheaval and desperation that many Iranians feel to open their hearts and minds to the gospel.
- Pray for God’s hand of protection and comfort over Iranian believers.
- Pray that their faith will grow as God walks with them through the difficulties. May the Holy Spirit replace anxiety or fear with hope and confidence in God’s presence and give believers boldness to continue to share the gospel.
