HEZBOLLAH STRONGER THAN EVER: Pray for Lebanon, and for Israel

“Lebanon’s pro-Western bloc will retain its control of the country’s government despite a strong challenge from a Hezbollah-dominated alliance, according to official election results released Monday,” reports CNN. “The ‘March 14′ coalition won 71 seats in Lebanon’s parliament, while the Hezbollah-dominated ‘March 8′ alliance won the remaining 57 seats, Lebanese Interior Minister Ziad Baroud announced. Saad Hariri, the leader of the Sunni-dominated March 14 bloc, gave a victory speech Monday after the polls closed but hours before the official results were released. So far, there has been no official reaction from Hezbollah, which is supported by both Syria and Iran and considered to be a terrorist organization by the United States.”

Analysis: While it is somewhat encouraging that the Iranian-backed Shia Radicals didn’t gain full political and economic control of Lebanon, let’s not kid ourselves. Hezbollah hasn’t needed control of the parliament to effectively control Lebanon or to launch wars against Israel from Lebanese territory. The truth is: Iran is gaining ground in trying to surround Israel and prepare for the coming of the Mahdi. Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, is a devout disciple of the Ayatollah Khamenei, a close friend of Iranian President Ahmadinejad, and fully committed to wiping Israel off the map and creating the conditions of chaos, carnage and genocide believed to be needed to usher in the Islamic messiah. Tensions between Israel and Lebanon are only going to grow after these elections. We need to keep praying for the embattled people of Lebanon — for safety, for security, for peace and for courage as Hezbollah gains strength. We need to pray especially for the true followers of Jesus Christ in Lebanon and do everything we can to support them, strengthen them, and help them get the gospel to every man, woman and child in Lebanon, make disciples and plant new churches. Jesus Christ is the only hope for Lebanon. Especially now. [Click here to read the story of Jesus traveling through southern Lebanon in Matthew 15:20-28, showing mercy to a woman desperate for His lovingkindness.]

Hezbollah members work on their computers at one of their election centers in the southern city of Nabatiyeh, Lebanon, Friday, June 5, 2009. Lebanese voters faced stark choices Sunday, handing power to an Iranian-backed Hezbollah alliance or renewing the mandate of a pro-Western coalition in crucial parliamentary elections that could determine the country's future for the next four years. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

Joel will be on Janet Parshall’s nationally syndicated radio show today from 4:15pm to 5pm eastern to discuss the latest events in the epicenter. Hope you can join us.