[2025 Ramadan] Day 26 Saudi Arabia, where Jesus will reign as King!

Saudi Arabia is a traditionally Islamic yet modernizing country that remains a global oil powerhouse, but is looking to diversify its economy for the future through reforms like Vision 2030. Politically, the country remains a monarchy and plays an important role as an Islamic holy site, while expanding its economic and diplomatic influence in the international community.

Externally, Saudi Arabia is actively voicing its opinion on various issues in the Arab world, and internally, it is taking proactive steps to develop its economy.

First of all, as the chairman of the Islamic Organization, Saudi Arabia has been an active voice on the Palestinian issue, and has officially stated that there will be no normalization of relations with Israel unless a “two-state” solution is finalized, which is a far cry from the current position of Israel and the United States. There's already talk that President Trump's ideas on Gaza may challenge the idea of an “Abrahamic agreement,” but that normalization will eventually happen. Even if we take it, it will eventually be fulfilled, as the Word says, as prophecy says.

Meanwhile, Syria's interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, was born in Saudi Arabia and spent his childhood there. His first trip to the kingdom was to be his first state visit. This raises the possibility of even closer ties between Saudi Arabia and Syria in the future. Syria, more than ever, is counting on the Saudis for economic cooperation.

On the other hand, the Saudis are excited about the prospect of having the current US-Russia summit in Saudi Arabia, and even the Saudi media is discussing this possibility. Going forward, Saudi Arabia is not only expanding its influence in the Arab world, but also actively making its voice heard around the world.

Internally, because of the war between Israel and Hamas, other Arab countries or other ethnic groups within Saudi Arabia have boycotted American products such as Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, but the Saudis themselves don't seem to be affected by this at all, and in fact, over the past year or so, we've seen more new American fast food restaurants opening and more American brands being introduced. So, it's not so much the politics that's the issue in Saudi Arabia right now, but the economy is still a big issue internally. The country is trying to attract investment and generate different sources of income to diversify the country's income streams as there are many big projects with big budgets.

During Ramadan, Saudis watch a lot of dramas. The drama schedule comes out a month before the start of Ramadan, and these dramas are not just dramas, but they intentionally send out social integration messages. During this Ramadan, dramas are reflecting the thoughts and positions of the younger generation on various current events, and there is also a movement to interpret previous eras in a new light.

Late last year, several locally baptized members of the church celebrated Ramadan for the first time. Some of the local Christians don't even eat the lamb that is killed on the first day of the holiday at the end of Ramadan, and have the idea that participating in such a ritual is itself bowing to idols. For the first time ever, they are faced with a very difficult situation in which they have to defend their faith with their family and relatives.

For the average Muslim, it's a time of forgiveness of sins and festivities, but for our local friends of faith, this time of Ramadan is a great challenge of faith. It's a time to listen to the Holy Spirit and obey what the Spirit is telling us, to be ready for the work of the Lord.

We are also expecting that this will be a new time for us to see the work of God's people being built up in the midst of the locals during this period, as mountains are moved and thrown into the sea, and asking is believing, just as Jesus said above when he cursed the fig tree. While the world is fasting, I believe it is a time for the people of God to rejoice with the Bridegroom, the Lord, and a time to hear the Holy Spirit speak and build up the people of God, the disciples, by faith!

[Today’s Prayer]

1. Living and Almighty God, we break all ties of Islam and secular power in Saudi Arabia! During the month of Ramadan, let the Muslims of Saudi Arabia see the futility of Islam's vain religious rituals and seek Jesus as the truth! Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God! Establish the church of Jesus Christ upon the confession of every church in Saudi Arabia, and save souls! Saudi Church, arise!

2. God, the Saudi church is the church that will bring two billion Muslims to Jesus! Let local Christians rise up with a vision of God to be the Saudi church that fulfills Isaiah 21:14, the prophecy for Arabia, giving living water to the thirsty and feeding those fleeing from war with the bread of life! Let missionaries of Jesus from the holy land of Islam go forth with the gospel among two billion Muslims, so that the fullness of the Gentiles may return and the way may be prepared for Your return!