by: Michael D. Evans
An Al Qaeda splinter group has seized some of Iraq's largest cities and is marching toward Baghdad with thousands of well-armed fighters. Their ultimate goal is the creation of an Islamic state. The group is sometimes called the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS); but their all-inclusive name is the Islamic State of the Levant (ISIL)—meaning they have designs on the entire region.
The dream of an Islamic caliphate that will stretch around the globe is alive and well today. Terrorist forces have seized territory from Iraq's borders with Syria and Turkey all the way to the city of Fallujah, just 40 miles from Baghdad. The ISIL group is Sunni Muslim, and has fought in support of the bloody Assad regime in Syria. Now they are fighting against the Shia-led government of Iraq, which is being reinforced by Iranian Special Forces units.
The battle for control of Iraq is a battle for control of the future Islamic caliphate which both Sunnis and Shia believe is coming. The dream of the Muslim future is a world living under sharia law. Both sides support this goal—they are now killing each other by the tens of thousands for the sake of each controlling its common vision of the future.
The Bible has much to say about Iraq—the ancient empire of Babylon. It was the center of opposition to God from the time of the tower of Babel to the empire that destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple under Nebuchadnezzar. And Revelation tells us that the final battles of the age will be waged and inspired by demonic spirits that are bound there right now.
Our government and even many Christians do not view what is happening in the Middle East as a spiritual war. They see the military wars and the economic wars, but they miss the most important part. I blew the trumpet to sound this warning 35 years ago. In 1979 my book Israel: America's Key to Survival had on its cover an American flag being cut in half by an Islamic sword. The hatred of radical Muslims is not just directed at Israel—they want to destroy us as well.
The destruction of Israel (the “little Satan”) and the destruction of America (the “great Satan”) are linked as steps toward the same goal. There is no doubt that we are dealing with principalities and powers in spiritual warfare. The very name Levant is linked according to some sources to an ancient demonic power. Certainly the region has long been the center of opposition to God's plan for mankind. In light of this unmistakable truth, how should we respond? The Bible gives the answer:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13).
More than twenty years ago I was mocked when I told America's leaders that a terrorist attack would be launched against New York City and the World Trade Center towers. I was told that I was delusional—that the Islamic religion did not pose a threat. I knew better. I had been briefed by Isser Harel, the former head of Mossad, who told me that such an attack would definitely come.
Even after the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, few heeded my warning. They simply did not understand the role spiritual warfare plays in world events. Only after the tragedy of 9/11 did some people begin to pay attention. Even after that demonstration of the purpose and commitment of our enemies, some still refuse to acknowledge the reality of what we face.
John the Revelator described present-day Iraq (ancient and future Babylon in the spirit realm) perfectly: He cried out in a powerful voice, "Fallen! Babylon the Great has fallen! She has become a home for demons. She is a prison for every evil spirit, every unclean bird, and every unclean and hated beast” (Revelation 18:2).
During the lead-up to the war in 2003, I wrote a book called Beyond Iraq: The Next Move. In it I said that God-fearing Americans must fall on our knees and pray, or our military victory would be short-lived. Unless the demonic forces behind terrorism are confronted and defeated, they will return again and again.
In 2007 I wrote the #1 New York Times bestseller Final Move Beyond Iraq. In it I pointed out that the moral relativistic views of liberals make it hard for them to see moral issues clearly. They reject absolute standards of good and evil of right and wrong. In their worldview, man is perfectible, human nature is on the path toward enlightenment and the concept of original sin is primitive.
This is a false and deadly belief. When they refuse to confront evil, evil does not cease to exist. It only becomes stronger. The jihadist terrorists strike at the body...the moral relativist strikes at the soul; both evils must be confronted. No battle can ever be won in the physical world until it is first fought and won in the spirit realm. This is our calling today—the message from Iraq that you and I must hear and to which we must respond:
If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
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Dr. Michael Evans is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His latest fiction book, Born Again: 1967 is available at www.TimeWorthyBooks.com.
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