Is the End Near?
No, I am not predicting the End of the World! After all, the Lord Jesus made it clear that no one knows when the rapture of the church will take place (Matthew 24:36) Nor am I stating that the rapture is coming soon as I believe in the imminent return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:2). However, I do think recent events concerning Israel and Hamas in October of 2023, and the present the conflict with Iran should pique our interest!
The Brokering of a Deal
As a pre-tribulationist, I believe the seven-year tribulation period will begin when the Antichrist brokers a peace agreement with Israel and the surrounding nations. (Daniel 9:24, 27 & 1 These 5:2-3). Thus, for him to broker this deal, there must be a significant conflict involving Israel and these nations.
The Alliance of Russia and Muslim Countries
In Ezekiel 38, we read of a Russian and Muslim alliance that is formed to destroy Israel. In verse two, Magog is a reference to the territory of Russia, while Rosh refers to the people. Verses six and fifteen speak of a people from the far north who will attack Israel. Since Moscow is almost directly north of Jerusalem, these verses make it clear that a Russian-led coalition will attack Israel (Vs 16).
Verses two and three mention Tubal, which is in Turkey, and verse six mentions Togarmah, which is also in Turkey. Thus, Turkey will be with Russia as they attack Israel. Furthermore, verse five mentions Persia or Iran and Libya, which will also be part of the coalition. Finally, Ethiopia is mentioned, and although it’s not considered a Muslim country like the other countries that join the alliance with Russia, Ethiopia does have a significant Muslim presence.
Why do the Muslim Countries Need Russia?
The attack by Israel and the United States on Iran’s nuclear facilities has crippled Iran’s ability to make nuclear bombs. Therefore, these Muslim countries need Russia’s military might since Israel has defeated all previous foes since becoming a sovereign nation on May 14, 1948.
Why is Russia involved?
Verses twelve and thirteen make it clear that the Russia-led coalition is motivated by money and material wealth. The current climate of Russia would make this very realistic, as the Sanctions by NATO have crippled them financially. Therefore, it would make sense for Russia to send ground troops instead of attacking Israel with nuclear warheads (Vs 15). Additionally, ground attacks would be very appealing to Russia because at the time of these attacks, Israel will be militarily complacent due to its peace treaty it made with the Antichrist (Vs 11).
Salvation
According to Zechariah 12:8, the Russia-led coalition will inflict great damage on Jerusalem and her people. Therefore, the Lord Jesus Christ must rescue them (Ezekiel 38:22). After putting an end to the war, the Lord Jesus Christ will set up his kingdom, and great multitudes of Jews and Muslims will embrace Him as their Lord and Savior! (Zechariah 12:9; Ezekiel 38:23)
Why Wait?
As the Lord will pour his wrath on these armies who attack Israel, his wrath currently abides on all unbelievers (John 3:36). However, as the Lord rescued the Jews from death through the bronze serpent, He has sent His son to rescue you from your sins (Numbers 21:8; John 3:14). Furthermore, as the Jews were delivered from death by faith in God’s word, you can be saved from God’s wrath by trusting Christ as your Lord and Savior (John 3:14-18). Finally, as Jesus changed the lives of people who met Him for good, He can change your life for good as well! (John 3:7-8; John 10:10)
By Mark Mandarano
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