It's kind of funny, in a sense because I hadn't noticed it for a while.
Luke 21:26Russia and Israel. A number of books of the Bible speak of future events. Ezekiel 38 (written approximately 600 B.C.) prophesies that in these times ('the latter days," v. 16), Russia (referred to as the "Prince of Rosh," see Smith's Bible Dictionary, p. 584) will combine with Iran, Libya (in Hebrew called "put"), and communistic Ethiopia (in Hebrew called "Cush") and attack Israel (vv. 5-8). This will take place after an Israeli peace initiative has been successful (v. 11). The Bible even gives the Russian reasoning for and the direction of the attack (vv. 10-15), as well as the location of the battle (Armageddon -- Revelation 16:16). This is generally interpreted as meaning "the mountain of Megiddo,' which is located on the north side of the plains of Jezzreel. Russia has had a foothold in the Middle East for many years: "The Soviets are entrenched around the rim of the Middle East heartland, in Afghanistan, South Yemen, Ethiopia, and Libya" ("Countdown in the Middle East," Reader's Digest, May 1982).Israel will never have lasting peace until she obeys God. If she will obey His statutes and keep His commandments, He will give her rain in due season, an abundance of food, freedom from fear, victory over the enemy, and peace within the land (Leviticus 26:1-13). Sadly, from what we see of the Scriptures, Israel will only seek God as a last resort, when she sees that she cannot prevail against the might and power of the Russian invasion (Joel 2:12-20). Deuteronomy 4:20 gives warning that it would take tribulation to turn Israel to God in the latter days. When Israel finally truns to God in true repentance, He will take pity on His people and remove far from them the "northern army" (Joel 2:20).Another sign of the latter days will be a clear understanding of the judgments and the will of God. No other generation has seen Russia mustering forces against Israel, the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East and the Jews in Jerusalem. No other generation has had the scientific knowledge to help it understand "strange" Scriptures, nor have they had access to the Bible as we have. We can understand perfectly the times in which we live: "The anger of the Lord shall not return, until he has executed, and till he has performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter day you shall consider it perfectly" (Jeremiah 23:20). Keep one eye on the Middle East -- and the other toward the heavens. See also Revelation 9:9 and 16:16 footnotes.
Luke 21:26Russia and Israel. A number of books of the Bible speak of future events. Ezekiel 38 (written approximately 600 B.C.) prophesies that in these times ('the latter days," v. 16), Russia (referred to as the "Prince of Rosh," see Smith's Bible Dictionary, p. 584) will combine with Iran, Libya (in Hebrew called "put"), and communistic Ethiopia (in Hebrew called "Cush") and attack Israel (vv. 5-8). This will take place after an Israeli peace initiative has been successful (v. 11). The Bible even gives the Russian reasoning for and the direction of the attack (vv. 10-15), as well as the location of the battle (Armageddon -- Revelation 16:16). This is generally interpreted as meaning "the mountain of Megiddo,' which is located on the north side of the plains of Jezzreel. Russia has had a foothold in the Middle East for many years: "The Soviets are entrenched around the rim of the Middle East heartland, in Afghanistan, South Yemen, Ethiopia, and Libya" ("Countdown in the Middle East," Reader's Digest, May 1982).Israel will never have lasting peace until she obeys God. If she will obey His statutes and keep His commandments, He will give her rain in due season, an abundance of food, freedom from fear, victory over the enemy, and peace within the land (Leviticus 26:1-13). Sadly, from what we see of the Scriptures, Israel will only seek God as a last resort, when she sees that she cannot prevail against the might and power of the Russian invasion (Joel 2:12-20). Deuteronomy 4:20 gives warning that it would take tribulation to turn Israel to God in the latter days. When Israel finally truns to God in true repentance, He will take pity on His people and remove far from them the "northern army" (Joel 2:20).Another sign of the latter days will be a clear understanding of the judgments and the will of God. No other generation has seen Russia mustering forces against Israel, the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East and the Jews in Jerusalem. No other generation has had the scientific knowledge to help it understand "strange" Scriptures, nor have they had access to the Bible as we have. We can understand perfectly the times in which we live: "The anger of the Lord shall not return, until he has executed, and till he has performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter day you shall consider it perfectly" (Jeremiah 23:20). Keep one eye on the Middle East -- and the other toward the heavens. See also Revelation 9:9 and 16:16 footnotes.
