- Pray that the prophecies and the promised words(Jer. 49:38-39)of God toward the people and the land of Elam(Iran) will be fulfilled soon.
- Pray that during the current unrest in Iran, God's justice will prevail and violence against innocent people will cease immediately.
- Pray that the Gospel will continue to advance, despite fear and repression, and that God's restorative purpose will be fully revealed in His perfect timing.
As events unfold in Iran and the nation once again faces unrest, violence, and uncertainty, many believers are asking where God is at work — and how the Church should pray in moments like this.
Scripture gives us profound hope for this land.
In the book of Jeremiah, God speaks of Elam — an ancient region that corresponds to modern-day Iran — declaring:
“I will set My throne in Elam,
and destroy her king and officials,”
declares the Lord.
—Jeremiah 49:38
What does this passage mean?
Most Bible scholars understand this verse as a statement of God’s sovereign authority over the region historically associated with modern-day Iran. In the biblical context, “setting a throne” does not necessarily mean establishing a physical seat of government, but asserting divine rule — bringing judgment on unjust leaders, dismantling oppressive power, and showing that no nation is beyond God’s authority.
This is a sobering reminder that earthly regimes, no matter how powerful or entrenched, are not ultimate.
Importantly, this promise is paired with God’s commitment to restore Elam:
“Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come,”
declares the Lord.
—Jeremiah 49:39
Judgment is not His final word.
Many scholars see the ultimate fulfillment in two stages: the judgment of God and the advancement of His redemptive story for Iran through Christ as His kingdom advances among all nations.
Seeing Today Through a Biblical Lens
In this light, the Church’s perseverance and growth in Iran today reflect God’s ongoing work. Despite decades of persecution, Iran is home to one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world. God’s authority is made known not through political dominance but through spiritual transformation, faithful believers, underground churches, and the quiet yet powerful spread of the gospel.
This does not minimize the suffering of the Iranian people or the real danger believers face. Rather, it anchors our hope in a God who is present in the darkness, active amid chaos, and faithful to complete what He has begun.
I believe God isn’t done yet.
A Call to Prayer and Scripture-Focused Intercession
As the global Church, this is a moment to pray with both urgency and confidence.
Consider praying for:
• God’s justice to prevail and violence against innocent people to cease.
• Unjust leaders and systems to be dismantled according to God’s will.
• Protection, courage, and unity among Iran’s underground believers.
• The gospel to continue to advance, despite fear, repression, and isolation.
• God’s restorative purposes to be revealed in His perfect timing.
As you pray, return to Jeremiah 49:38-39. Reflect on God’s sovereignty, His patience, and His promise to restore. Let these verses shape not only how you understand the moment, but how you intercede for a nation longing for freedom and truth.
The story God is writing in Iran is not finished. And even now, His throne is not absent.
Shawn P. Wright
President, International Christian Concern
source: https://persecution.org/2026/01/13/finding-the-biblical-context-for-the-story-unfolding-in-iran/