We are watching historic changes taking place in the world. Often, before a big earthquake there will be a series of smaller temblors called foreshocks. For instance, in Israel the past 30 days have seen four minor quakes. These have triggered concerns among some authorities that a major earthquake may be on the horizon. The same is true in the geopolitical world. Shake-ups will occur within countries or between nations, all leading up to the Big One – a global event that rocks the planet.

It’s hard to know exactly when this round of international quakes began, but we can certainly see them increasing in strength. There has been a profound moral erosion in a great many of the world’s nations. Cultural division has segmented many populations and has often expressed itself in violent ways. Elections in numerous countries, particularly in the US, Israel, and a number of European nations, ushered in new, weak governments. Then came a strong quake that shook the global landscape. The US executed a humiliating pull-out from Afghanistan. At that moment, the established superpower hierarchy collapsed sending shockwaves throughout the world. But despite the magnitude of that shake-up, the Big One is yet to come.

How do all these changes relate to what we are seeing with Russia and Ukraine? This border conflict, which might lead to all-out war, is another foreshock that could potentially usher in the Big One. What is the Big One? It is the war that we read about in Ezekiel 38:

Ezekiel‬ ‭38:14-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬ – “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: and thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.”

Russia and its allies will come from the north and attack Israel, slaughtering one-third of the Jewish population. This is the war that will pave the way for the rise of the antichrist and the seven-year tribulation. Right now, with so many prophecies clearly fulfilled in the re-creation of Israel and its economic, military, technological, and cultural flourishing, we are undoubtedly living in the time of Ezekiel 37. However, as we look around us, particularly as we see what is happening in Russia and in America, it appears that the page is now turning to Ezekiel 38.

In this special edition [article], I don’t want to take your limited time to deal with all the details of the specific events between Russia and Ukraine. For those, you can check out my Telegram channel which I am constantly updating with the latest happenings. I also can’t get too deep into what happens after the Big One hits and the tribulation begins. To learn more about that, I would encourage you to pre-order my new book, Revealing Revelation. In it, I take on my familiar role of tour guide and teacher leading you through this wonderful final book of the Bible – one which is greatly neglected in today’s church but so very essential as we live in these last days. Instead, in this [article], I want to look at the Russia/Ukraine conflict itself and see its ripple effect in the world and in the prophetic timeline.

What we are watching now is a move that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been planning for many years. We know this because since 2014 Russia has built up its wealth funds, decreasing its dependence on foreign investors and moving away from a reliance on the US dollar and other currencies. He has also been playing a long game in creating a European dependence upon Russian gas. The previous US president understood this and worked to not only make America energy independent but insisted that its European allies break away from Russian energy. He also supported the EastMed pipeline which would carry Israeli gas through Cyprus to Greece. This would act as a counterbalance to Russia’s Nord Stream 2 and would serve as a way for Europe to support and lean on its allies rather than its rivals. The new president, however, reversed course on those strategies. As a result of these long-term tactics, Russia knows that it is strong enough to withstand most sanctions that will be brought against it. Moscow also knows that any sanctions that are put into effect will not be strong, because all they need to do to get Europe to bend to their desires is to threaten to turn off the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

Again, Putin has had this plan in place for a number of years, but the timing wasn’t right. Why? Because of who was in the White House. The previous president killed General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the al-Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and most powerful military leader in Iran, and suddenly there was peace in the Middle East. For this and other reasons, the nations of the world were always a little nervous around that president, which is a good thing when it comes to geopolitical diplomacy. The new administration, however, has none of the same strength or reputation. The world sees that Iran is not being held accountable as it increases its uranium enrichment. It sees that China is not being made answerable as it constantly trespasses into Taiwanese airspace and makes its own preparations to move forward toward “reacquiring” the island country that they believe to be their own. Putin sees these situations and he witnessed the Afghan debacle and has now decided that this first winter after the Afghanistan pull-out is his time to move.

What is Vladimir Putin’s goal in all this? Is he really going to invade? I don’t know. I do know, though, that his primary reason for this stand-off is not to reannex all of Ukraine. What does he want? First, he wants to ensure that Ukraine does not become part of NATO. If it does, then he knows that he will soon see US bases with US fighters and US bombers and US missile launchers right on his doorstep. Remember the fear surrounding the Cuban missile crisis that led to the Bay of Pigs incident? The US did not want Russia right on its border. This is the reverse of that. In addition, Putin wants the US and NATO to return to pre-1997 membership when no former Eastern Bloc countries hosted foreign armies. He wants the seven US bases dismantled, the nukes removed, and a commitment that NATO will not expand any farther eastward. However, it is possible that if Ukraine simply agrees to not become part of NATO or if the US commits to not allowing Ukraine to join the alliance, then this event very well might blow over.

That may be the best solution. Yes, it will give Moscow a win, but they are going to win either way. If America and Europe give in to Putin, it is political suicide for many of the leaders involved. However, saying no to Putin could very well be military suicide. The countries of Europe have become so dependent upon NATO (i.e., the United States) for their defense that they have allowed their progressive pacifist doctrines to decimate their militaries leaving them with no armies or just small “boutique armies”. Russia, on the other hand, has built up its military to a massive size. The US has already said that it will not intervene militarily, because they understand nuclear escalation. Russia is so spread out that it might survive a nuclear attack. America as a cohesive nation will cease to exist with just five or six cities being taken out. Because of so many recent poor decisions, there is no path to victory for the US and Europe. There is only the lesser of two evils.

Despite all this, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ and have made Him your Lord and Savior, there is no reason to be discouraged. Of course, it is disappointing to see America stepping down as the world’s only superpower. Watching the degradation of government and culture can bring feelings of sadness. Trust me, I’ve felt that for my own country of Israel. Yet, when we step back and look at the big picture, we should begin to feel that anticipatory flutter in our stomachs. We know that something big is coming. We’re feeling the foreshocks and we know the big quake is near. With America no longer standing alone as the world’s only superpower, it opens the door for a new world order to be shaped. We see already that Rosh (Russia) has risen back to prominence, something that wouldn’t have happened under the previous president. We see that Europe is a confused mess, the world is unstable, and people are longing for a strong leader. The stage is set for the rise of the antichrist.

 As believers, though, we won’t be around to see the antichrist come to power. That is where our excited anticipation comes from. When we see the stage set for the antichrist, we know that the rapture is right around the corner. What we see in the world should not cause us fear but should bring us peace because we are watching Bible prophecy played out right before our eyes! God’s Word given 2500 years ago is being fulfilled right now, this moment, all around us. So, we live with confidence. We live with peace, demonstrating to the people around us that there is no reason to be afraid for those who believe and trust in the Lord.

I don’t know how the Russia/Ukraine conflict will end. I do know, though, that there will soon come a day when an Israeli attack on proxy militias in Syria or an airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities or a desire for Israel’s massive gas fields will trigger a now emboldened Russia to attack. The prophetic page will turn from Ezekiel 37 to Ezekiel 38. That is when we know that we as Christ’s bride will soon be removed from this earth. In the twinkling of an eye, we will meet our Lord in the air, and we will be changed. Until that day comes, though, we are to occupy this earth.

When it comes to wars and the fear of what might happen, we as believers must remember that our lives will always be a balance between the calling God has given us in this world and what we know will eventually take place as He carries out His plans. We are to be about our Father’s business. We are to live in this world and love its people and show them that there is hope and truth and peace to be found. And when you watch the news and look around you and discouragement comes, look up – your redemption draws nigh.

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭KJV – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”‬‬

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:6-8‬ ‭KJV – “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

Awaiting His Return,

We are watching historic changes taking place in the world. Often, before a big earthquake there will be a series of smaller temblors called foreshocks. For instance, in Israel the past 30 days have seen four minor quakes. These have triggered concerns among some authorities that a major earthquake may be on the horizon. The same is true in the geopolitical world. Shake-ups will occur within countries or between nations, all leading up to the Big One – a global event that rocks the planet.

It’s hard to know exactly when this round of international quakes began, but we can certainly see them increasing in strength. There has been a profound moral erosion in a great many of the world’s nations. Cultural division has segmented many populations and has often expressed itself in violent ways. Elections in numerous countries, particularly in the US, Israel, and a number of European nations, ushered in new, weak governments. Then came a strong quake that shook the global landscape. The US executed a humiliating pull-out from Afghanistan. At that moment, the established superpower hierarchy collapsed sending shockwaves throughout the world. But despite the magnitude of that shake-up, the Big One is yet to come.

How do all these changes relate to what we are seeing with Russia and Ukraine? This border conflict, which might lead to all-out war, is another foreshock that could potentially usher in the Big One. What is the Big One? It is the war that we read about in Ezekiel 38:

Ezekiel‬ ‭38:14-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬ – “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: and thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.”

Russia and its allies will come from the north and attack Israel, slaughtering one-third of the Jewish population. This is the war that will pave the way for the rise of the antichrist and the seven-year tribulation. Right now, with so many prophecies clearly fulfilled in the re-creation of Israel and its economic, military, technological, and cultural flourishing, we are undoubtedly living in the time of Ezekiel 37. However, as we look around us, particularly as we see what is happening in Russia and in America, it appears that the page is now turning to Ezekiel 38.

In this special edition [article], I don’t want to take your limited time to deal with all the details of the specific events between Russia and Ukraine. For those, you can check out my Telegram channel which I am constantly updating with the latest happenings. I also can’t get too deep into what happens after the Big One hits and the tribulation begins. To learn more about that, I would encourage you to pre-order my new book, Revealing Revelation. In it, I take on my familiar role of tour guide and teacher leading you through this wonderful final book of the Bible – one which is greatly neglected in today’s church but so very essential as we live in these last days. Instead, in this [article], I want to look at the Russia/Ukraine conflict itself and see its ripple effect in the world and in the prophetic timeline.

What we are watching now is a move that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been planning for many years. We know this because since 2014 Russia has built up its wealth funds, decreasing its dependence on foreign investors and moving away from a reliance on the US dollar and other currencies. He has also been playing a long game in creating a European dependence upon Russian gas. The previous US president understood this and worked to not only make America energy independent but insisted that its European allies break away from Russian energy. He also supported the EastMed pipeline which would carry Israeli gas through Cyprus to Greece. This would act as a counterbalance to Russia’s Nord Stream 2 and would serve as a way for Europe to support and lean on its allies rather than its rivals. The new president, however, reversed course on those strategies. As a result of these long-term tactics, Russia knows that it is strong enough to withstand most sanctions that will be brought against it. Moscow also knows that any sanctions that are put into effect will not be strong, because all they need to do to get Europe to bend to their desires is to threaten to turn off the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

Again, Putin has had this plan in place for a number of years, but the timing wasn’t right. Why? Because of who was in the White House. The previous president killed General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the al-Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and most powerful military leader in Iran, and suddenly there was peace in the Middle East. For this and other reasons, the nations of the world were always a little nervous around that president, which is a good thing when it comes to geopolitical diplomacy. The new administration, however, has none of the same strength or reputation. The world sees that Iran is not being held accountable as it increases its uranium enrichment. It sees that China is not being made answerable as it constantly trespasses into Taiwanese airspace and makes its own preparations to move forward toward “reacquiring” the island country that they believe to be their own. Putin sees these situations and he witnessed the Afghan debacle and has now decided that this first winter after the Afghanistan pull-out is his time to move.

What is Vladimir Putin’s goal in all this? Is he really going to invade? I don’t know. I do know, though, that his primary reason for this stand-off is not to reannex all of Ukraine. What does he want? First, he wants to ensure that Ukraine does not become part of NATO. If it does, then he knows that he will soon see US bases with US fighters and US bombers and US missile launchers right on his doorstep. Remember the fear surrounding the Cuban missile crisis that led to the Bay of Pigs incident? The US did not want Russia right on its border. This is the reverse of that. In addition, Putin wants the US and NATO to return to pre-1997 membership when no former Eastern Bloc countries hosted foreign armies. He wants the seven US bases dismantled, the nukes removed, and a commitment that NATO will not expand any farther eastward. However, it is possible that if Ukraine simply agrees to not become part of NATO or if the US commits to not allowing Ukraine to join the alliance, then this event very well might blow over.

That may be the best solution. Yes, it will give Moscow a win, but they are going to win either way. If America and Europe give in to Putin, it is political suicide for many of the leaders involved. However, saying no to Putin could very well be military suicide. The countries of Europe have become so dependent upon NATO (i.e., the United States) for their defense that they have allowed their progressive pacifist doctrines to decimate their militaries leaving them with no armies or just small “boutique armies”. Russia, on the other hand, has built up its military to a massive size. The US has already said that it will not intervene militarily, because they understand nuclear escalation. Russia is so spread out that it might survive a nuclear attack. America as a cohesive nation will cease to exist with just five or six cities being taken out. Because of so many recent poor decisions, there is no path to victory for the US and Europe. There is only the lesser of two evils.

Despite all this, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ and have made Him your Lord and Savior, there is no reason to be discouraged. Of course, it is disappointing to see America stepping down as the world’s only superpower. Watching the degradation of government and culture can bring feelings of sadness. Trust me, I’ve felt that for my own country of Israel. Yet, when we step back and look at the big picture, we should begin to feel that anticipatory flutter in our stomachs. We know that something big is coming. We’re feeling the foreshocks and we know the big quake is near. With America no longer standing alone as the world’s only superpower, it opens the door for a new world order to be shaped. We see already that Rosh (Russia) has risen back to prominence, something that wouldn’t have happened under the previous president. We see that Europe is a confused mess, the world is unstable, and people are longing for a strong leader. The stage is set for the rise of the antichrist.

 As believers, though, we won’t be around to see the antichrist come to power. That is where our excited anticipation comes from. When we see the stage set for the antichrist, we know that the rapture is right around the corner. What we see in the world should not cause us fear but should bring us peace because we are watching Bible prophecy played out right before our eyes! God’s Word given 2500 years ago is being fulfilled right now, this moment, all around us. So, we live with confidence. We live with peace, demonstrating to the people around us that there is no reason to be afraid for those who believe and trust in the Lord.

I don’t know how the Russia/Ukraine conflict will end. I do know, though, that there will soon come a day when an Israeli attack on proxy militias in Syria or an airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities or a desire for Israel’s massive gas fields will trigger a now emboldened Russia to attack. The prophetic page will turn from Ezekiel 37 to Ezekiel 38. That is when we know that we as Christ’s bride will soon be removed from this earth. In the twinkling of an eye, we will meet our Lord in the air, and we will be changed. Until that day comes, though, we are to occupy this earth.

When it comes to wars and the fear of what might happen, we as believers must remember that our lives will always be a balance between the calling God has given us in this world and what we know will eventually take place as He carries out His plans. We are to be about our Father’s business. We are to live in this world and love its people and show them that there is hope and truth and peace to be found. And when you watch the news and look around you and discouragement comes, look up – your redemption draws nigh.

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭KJV – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”‬‬

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:6-8‬ ‭KJV – “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

Awaiting His Return,