The way things currently stand, any talks between Russia and Ukraine area doomed to failure. Yesterday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated, “Ukraine will have to undergo complete de-Nazification.” Not only is that incendiary rhetoric designed to draw more people to their side, but it is a proclamation that Russia will be satisfied with nothing short of a complete regime change in Ukraine.
Despite Putin’s financial preparation for the economic fallout for this invasion, he couldn’t have anticipated the devastation to the Russian economy. The ruble has lost nearly 30% of its value on the international market meaning one-third of the the nation’s economic worth has evaporated. This is going to force Putin to speed up the prosecution of this war.
One move that is causing great concern is Putin’s planned deployment of nuclear armaments in Belarus. It is very possible that this military operation could turn into a nuclear standoff with the West.
There is one battlefield where no actual shots have yet been taken, and that is airspace. Thirty-three countries thus far have banned Russian planes from their airspace. In return, Moscow has banned the air traffic of 36 nations from theirs. There are some who are calling upon western governments to declare the air above Ukraine a no-fly zone, but that is one sure way to turn this conflict into a world war.
Another unconventional battlefield has arisen from this conflict, and that is found in Syria. The Russians are recruiting Syrians to come fight for them in Ukraine. At the same time, anti-government Syrian rebels are also recruiting to fight against the Russians in Ukraine. Thus, we can see the Syrian Civil War migrating north to eastern Europe.
Israel is in a difficult position. Yesterday, Israel joined with 140 other countries of the UN in voting to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This puts Israel in hot water with the Russians. The once-decent relations between the two countries had already begun to sour, and this will make it worse. Because of the strong Russian presence and influence in Syria, Israel is essentially sharing a de facto border with the country. It is very likely that it will be across this border that Russia will invade during the Ezekiel 38 war.
With all that is taking place in eastern Europe, it would be easy to lose sight of what is happening in other danger spots around the world. This is a warning that former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented last week, saying, “I call on the [Israeli] government to behave responsibly, to speak less about what they don’t need to talk about, and to deal more with existential security threats.”
One of the main threats he is referring to is the continued progress of Iran toward achieving a nuclear weapon. Concerning the feckless new Iran deal, Netanyahu said, “The nuclear deal with Iran threatens our existence, and on this very issue, [Israeli Prime Minister Naftali] Bennett and [Foreign Minister Yair] Lapid aren’t saying anything and aren’t doing anything.”
Iran continues to fund and supply their proxy militias in Iraq and Syria. Last Wednesday and Thursday nights, Iranian targets were attacked in Syria with the targets being the on-going shipments of weapons and other military materiel sent by the Islamic regime. The second of the strikes not only destroyed the targets but killed three soldiers.
Heavy gunfire was heard near the nuclear facility in Bushehr, Iran, and UAVs were seen in the sky. Iran quickly closed tight the area and said that it was just a routine military exercise. However, this is the standard excuse anytime an incident occurs.
What a crazy couple weeks it has been in this world. Can you remember back to the simpler times when all we were worried about were vaccinations, mask mandates, and a global pandemic? Now, suddenly, there is war in Eastern Europe and Russia is positioning its nuclear weapons. When I read the latest news stories, I sometimes find myself stopping and thinking, “Wow! Those without Jesus have got to be freaking out right now!”
But I never have that reaction when I read the news. There are times I am saddened, angry, frustrated, incredulous, even shocked. However, there is no time that I am panicked or worried or stressed out. That is because I read the Bible. And while I may not see in its pages, “And Russia, ye shalt attacketh the land of Ukraine to thy west,” that is simply because prophecy only speaks of events and wars as they relate to Israel. However, I do see that Rosh (Russia) is meant to rise. I do know that this world will be plagued with wars and disease and natural disasters as God wraps up His restoration plan. And I have no doubt of my personal relationship with Jesus the Messiah, which gives me the sure hope that someday soon I will meet Him in the clouds when He comes for His church.
So, don’t let these times bring you fear. Follow the news, but don’t be consumed by the news. You will learn much more about what is happening right now from your Bible than you will from the cable networks or the online pundits. And make sure that your lamp is lit and that you are shining Christ’s light to the world. The deceptions of the devil are rife right now, but God has called you to be the beacon that will lead those around you to His truth.
And please fulfill your calling to pray for the Ukrainian people. No matter what you think of their leadership or Russia’s leadership, the fact remains that countless innocent civilians are being forced from their homes; many of them are being wounded and many of them are being killed. That transcends politics and worldviews. Pray for God’s protection and pray for His peace.
Matthew 5:14-16 KJV – “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
