What Happened after Khamenei DIed?

Ali Khamenei, the leader of Iran, was killed in an Israeli attack on February 28.  The attack was part of the United States’ and Israel’s strategy: decapitate the Iranian government.  I don’t wish to comment on the morality of the attack, or the strategy behind it.  Instead, I have been thinking about Khamenei, the person.

From what I have read, Khamenei at young age devoted himself to studying the Quran and the theology of Islam.  A protégé of Ayatollah Khomeini, he was part of the movement to establish a theocracy in Iran.  He succeeded Khomeini as the leader of Iran and has been known for his hardline policies and his desire for Iran to become a nuclear power.

Both Islam and Christianity agree that when a person dies, they appear before God.  Furthermore, both Islam and Christianity agree that whatever happens to that person in eternity will be determined by the will of God. 

Beyond these two points of agreement, Islam and Christianity diverge.  It is false to say all religions lead to the same God or the same place.  From what I understand of Islam, devout Muslims, as well as others who do righteous works, are treated with mercy by Allah and are welcomed into a type of heaven. The unrighteous are condemned to punishment.

Was Khamenei a righteous person according to the teachings of Islam?  His record would be mixed.  He most likely accomplished the Five Pillars: faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage.  As a cleric he probably lived by the teachings of Muhammed.  But he also brutally crushed oppression, persecuted his own people, and held onto political power at all costs.

Of course, I am more familiar with Christian teachings.  Followers of Jesus believe we do not gain entrance to heaven based on good works, but rather by the grace of God (“It is by grace you are saved, not works, lest any man should boast…”).  This grace comes through Jesus who died for our sins and rose from the dead to prove his power over death and sin.

A clear teaching of Jesus, which troubles many people, is he is the only path to our Heavenly Father (“No one comes to Father except through me…”).  This exclusivity claim seems narrow.  Without trying to answer every objection, I can see God’s reasoning.  First, out of his mercy, he has made a way for our sins to be forgiven and for us to have a relationship with him.  He did not have to do this; he did it because at the heart of his character there is deep love for all he created. 

Second, if God forced a relationship upon people, the elimination of choice would be at best coercive, and at worst, God exerting his overwhelming presence to control us.  Imagine this scenario: you are forced by an unjust king to wear a leash and sit by his throne.  You must laugh at his jokes, attend to his needs, and live in fear of his changing moods.  This was the core idea of many ancient religions.  Judaism and Christianity changed that teaching.  God is consistently portrayed as one who offers a choice: enter into relationship with him or not.

Finally, Christianity recognizes no amount of righteous works can balance the scales with sinfulness of our hearts.  As I grow older, I am amazed to discover how bent my heart is to evil.  This despite prayer, learning, and asking God to change to my heart.  I depend on God’s grace because I know cannot fill the gap between my unrighteousness and God’s righteousness. 

Only God can know the true condition of a person’s heart.  But Jesus also said, “By their fruits you will know them…”  Did Khamenei show the fruit of the Spirit?  Did he show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control?  From what I know, he was lacking in several of these fruits.

I believe in hell because Jesus spoke about it.  I believe Dallas Willard best described hell as “the best God can do for some people.”  When people reject the way of Jesus, God makes a place for them.  It is a miserable place, but a place people choose to be because they do not want to meet God on God’s terms.

Is Khamenei in hell?  The evidence points in that direction.  He did not proclaim Jesus as his leader, he did not show the fruit of the Spirit, and he did not follow the teachings of Jesus above the teachings of Muhammed.  I do not think Khamenei might be in hell because he hated America, but because he rejected Jesus.

Imagine his surprise when he found out his whole life, belief system, life goals, and values were wrong.   Maybe his first reaction was shock and surprise.

Paul, the apostle, experienced a similar shock, but he had not yet died.  When he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he found out his whole life, belief system, life goals, and values were wrong.  He faced a choice: defiantly continue in his belief or humble himself before Jesus and learn a new way.  That switch can be harder than you think.

The real question, of course, isn’t about Khamenei.  The real question is about you.  We cannot say to Jesus, “Lord, Lord,” unless we humble ourselves, ask for forgiveness, receive his grace, and begin to live according to his teachings.  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”   That would mean we would love God and love each other, our neighbors, and our enemies as he does. 

I refuse to rejoice in anyone’s death that appears to be headed to hell.  I think it must break God’s heart.  But it is a reminder not to be cocky about my own salvation.  It is a great gift.  And it can be your great gift as well.

Harry, Meghan, and the Royal Family…

I would hate to be born a royal (not that it was an option).  Your choices are limited; your life is under a microscope.  People cheer when you rebel against the “system” and then condemn you when you cross the line.  If you are in the line of succession, you do not get to pick a career; it is picked for you.   

The headlines of late are about the strained relationship between Prince Harry, his wife, Meghan, and the Royal Family.  All their troubles are not new to me. 

Meghan married into a challenging family.  She knew that, but no one knows how challenging a family will be until they are in it.  I have done pre-marital counseling for couples that are trying to blend families.  They anticipate no problems with his, hers, and our kids.  Usually, about six months later, the couple is back in my office telling me one of the kids is having a hard time adjusting.  Making a family is difficult.  Imagine doing it in the spotlight.

People apparently said stupid things to Meghan and Harry, including a remark wondering about their baby’s skin color.  That kind of remark is out of line, but no surprise to anyone who ever had to deal with an aunt who has the sensitivity of a brick, or an uncle who had tipped a little too much wine at Thanksgiving.  Pat Conroy had a great line in South of Broad: “Family is a contact sport.”  You often must decide the price tag of maintaining a relationship and ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” 

Prince Harry was estranged for a period of time from his dad, Prince Charles.  Moving halfway around the world will do that.  It is said Prince Charles was not taking calls from Harry.  If I had a nickel for every time a parent or a child told me, “I haven’t heard from my (dad, mom, son, daughter) in years,” I could retire to a very large cattle ranch.  On the positive side, apparently, Prince Charles is talking to his son now.  That is good.  No relationship problem can be solved by lack of communication. 

Meghan said she felt suicidal during her pregnancy.   I hope someone told her that is not unusual.  Since I have never been pregnant, I can only rely on what women have told me.  Hormones are going crazy; a human life is growing inside of you, your body is not your own.  Frankly, I think every pregnant woman should be treated like royalty, and her feet should be rubbed every night. 

Prince Harry felt like he had to choose between his wife and his family.  Every husband will face that choice.  Your first loyalty is to your spouse.  My Mama told us when she and Daddy married, she would have left him a hundred times the first year if she thought her mother would take her back in.  It was only years later that Granny confessed she would have taken Mama back, but she thought Mama needed to know what “for better or worse” really meant.  I tell couples before I marry them that I cannot predict the future, but I can guarantee “for worse” will come. 

Harry and Meghan have stepped out from the protective umbrella of the Royal Family.  They are making their own way in Hollywood, albeit in a $14 million mansion. My parents were very clear: “The day you get married is the day you are on your own.”  I remember how excited I was to be called as pastor of Finchville Baptist Church in Finchville, KY.  I was excited to serve God’s people, but I was more excited because I had a paycheck, and the church furnished a house.  That meant I could propose to Gina.  Being on your own, away from family, is a good way to start a marriage.  You must figure out things on your own. 

I find myself wishing Harry and Meghan had not done the Oprah interview.  I have learned the more people you involve in your relationship, the more complicated it becomes.  Harry and Meghan invited 17 million viewers into their relationship.  That just does not sound healthy to me.  I am not familiar with royal protocol, but I think it would have been healthier for all involved if Harry and Meghan had called up Charles and said, “Can we sit down and talk?” 

I get that Harry and Meghan are going through a hard time.  It sounds like the Royal Family is too.  Most families I know have had a hard time over the last twelve months.  I think that is why Jesus told us the story of two builders.  You remember the story:  One man built his house on the sand, and when the storm came, it was washed away.  The other man built his house on the rock.  It was a lot harder, but when the storm came (and it always does), his house stood.   

Even if you are royal, sand is sand, and rock is rock.  It all comes down to a simple question: Where are you building your house?