Mar 6, 2025
An Iranian singer, Mehdi Yarrahi, known for his protest song against compulsory headscarves for women, was publicly flogged 74 times as punishment. His song called for personal freedom and criticized the oppressive Islamic regime, which enforces strict Sharia law. This act of brutality highlights the reality of life under authoritarian rule, where speaking against the system leads to severe consequences. The punishment of this singer is part of a broader pattern of persecution against those who challenge Islamic rule in Iran. Women, in particular, face oppression, forced to comply with religious dress codes under threat of imprisonment or violence.
How does this apply do Christians? Especially, Christians in the United States. While the U.S. has long been a beacon of religious freedom, soft persecution has already taken root. Christian businesses have been sued for standing on biblical convictions, social media and college campuses censors biblical truth as “hate speech,” and those who oppose the cultural narrative are denied jobs, services, or platforms. What begins as censorship and litigation today could become physical persecution tomorrow. Do some research on Kristallnacht and you'll see exactly what I'm saying. Just as Iran punishes those who challenge Islamic law, we see Western nations increasingly punishing those who stand on the Word of God. This shift is not accidental, it is part of a growing global hostility toward biblical truth.
Scripture warns that in the last days, persecution will increase, and the U.S. is NOT exempt. What is happened to this singer in Iran is a preview of what could come if Believers do not remain vigilant. As Jesus said in Matthew 24:9, "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name." The battle is already at our doorstep. We must stand firm in our faith, defend religious freedom, and prepare our hearts to endure whatever comes. READ MORE
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Commentary by Joe Hawkins