It is a good idea to start by stating that the title isn’t as misleading as it sounds. We who believe in the atoning work of Jesus Christ realize that the whole Old Testament is directing us toward an understanding of who Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Savior is. Then the New Testament tells us what He, Jesus Christ, actually did for us on our behalf. The title saying what’s new is suggesting that there is a point of interest between the Old and New Testaments that is not normally talked about. Part one will describe the way to come to the understanding of how important the Old Testament is in regard to some particular groups and for being ambassadors for Christ. Part 2 will be descriptive in how our understanding of the written words of the Old Testament mean so much and also how they can be used to witness to others in today’s world.
The US currently at war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This fact leads us to consider the many historical considerations of the parties involved. I am going to assume that the US is a part of western civilization that belongs to a Judeo-Christian belief system. We, as believers claim that both the Old and New Testaments are Divinely inspired.
Israel worships Yahweh as His chosen people. They believe that the only divinely inspired books are those of the Old Testament. They await the first coming of the Messiah and not the second coming as the Christian believers do.
The Islamists worship Allah and are more or less a death cult. However, Muslims, in general, do believe that the Old Testament is the inspired word of God. But they also say that the writings of Mohamad, their prophet, are also inspired.
Then we come to the Persians of Iran, who also have a long history and play a major part in this current conflict. During the Old Testament times, the Persians held to the beliefs of Zoroastrianism. This belief system held to a strict duality where there were two equally powerful gods, one good and one bad. They thought one god became more powerful by having more people serving him, either the good or the bad.
The Medo-Persian empire was a significant group who lived in the Old Testament period. The Old Testament book of Easter is all about the interactions of the Jews and the Persians. The celebration and festival of Purim, currently being celebrated by Israel, tells of that ancient interaction between these two peoples.
There is another significant event that addresses the ancient relationship between the Jews and the Persians. This revolves around the ancient King of Persia whose name was Cyrus and later became known as Cyrus the Great. King Cyrus was a leader specifically named in the Old Testament. He was named as the King who would let the captive Jews return to the land of Israel. But, what’s unique is that I the recording of this event, including Cyrus’s name was prophesied in (NASB) Isaiah 44:28 and reads, “It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.’ And he declares of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ And of the temple, your foundation will be laid.’” Then, roughly 150 years later that event actually took place as seen in Ezra 1:2 where it says, “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.” Okay, so that’s a quick background of the people wrapped up in the conflict in the Middle East today.
Staying with the Persians of Iran, reports are saying that there are many Iranians that have recently become Christians, believing that Jesus Christ is their Savior. This is wonderful news and it shows how our God is still active in the world drawing people to Himself; with them becoming brothers and sisters in Christ. Their prayers are for a chance to be free from the suppressive Islamic Republic of Iran regime and our prayers can be for their safety right now. The Perians themselves will have to do much to in this conflict to establish a country free of the tyranny of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Command.
Not only that, but it is highly possible that Isreal, by defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with the US, will have a chance to return the favor of helping provide freedom for the Persian people in Iran. This is approximately 2225 years after the Jews were enslaved by Babylon and then freed by Cyrus. Also, remember that God has called believers, the Israel of God, in Galatians 6:15-16, it states, 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a newcreation. 16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. So, our part in this conflict is rewarding too.
Before we move into Part 2 it needs to be pointed out that Sunni Muslims are the largest religious group in Iran. The ruling class in Iran are a radical element of Shia Muslims. What is very interesting is that Christianity is the fastest growing group in Iran. It now has millions of followers hiding throughout the country. Some proof of this growth is noticing how 50 mosques out of a total of 70 in Tehran have recently closed their doors.
Moving on to Part 2 it should be said that it will be a scriptural tool to help others, both Muslims and Jews, see that the Old Testament books, they consider to be sacred, do indeed point directly to our Savior Jesus Christ.