Do you remember what the big news in the Middle East was prior to the Israeli-Gaza conflict?  What about prior to the rise of ISIS?  Here are a few headlines from earlier this year:

• Israeli Defense Official: Iran can break out nuclear weapons ‘very quickly‘
• Israel seizes ship with missiles heading from Iran to Gaza
• Iran can now build and deliver nukes, US intel reports
• Iran would resume enrichment if nuclear talks fail

Yes, much of the world’s focus was on Iran.  While they marched toward nuclear capability, much of the world believed that negotiating with Iran would bring about an equitable situation.  However, Iran is not really committed to negotiation.  They are committed to “wipe Israel (the “little Satan”) off the map,” then turn their sites on “the great Satan,” the US.  (For more info, see The Iranian Agenda and While Eyes are on Gaza, Is Iran about to Push its Own Agenda?)

But suddenly, in mid-June, Iran disappeared from the headlines in favor of three kidnapped Israeli teenagers, which eventually led to the conflict in Gaza.  (Hamas has recently claimed responsibility for those kidnappings/killings.)  About the same time, ISIS made a big splash by moving aggressively into Iraq. (See ISIS in Iraq)

When it comes to evil, evil empires unite!  Shiite Iran has supplied arms and ammunition to Sunni Hamas, though Sunnis and Shiites bitterly hate one another.  (More)  Likewise, Iran has sided with Shiite Iraqi leaders to fend off Sunni ISIS.  However, ALL unite against Israel! 

Thus, Iran, masters of diversion, funded and encouraged the Gaza conflict as a means to divert attention from their nuclear ambitions.  Likewise, they play a part in keeping the activity in Iraq (with ISIS) stirred up, because as long as the world is focused on those issues, Iran can move forward with its nuclear ambitions!  

Meanwhile, Russia also quietly continues to carry out its plans to overpower Crimea.

Friends, we know that Russia and Iran will team up in the last days to fulfill the Ezekiel 38 prophecy.  That passage describes a coalition of nations that will invade Israel, but will be defeated by the mighty power of God!  While evil may advance in this world (as it seems it is doing now), the Lord God will not allow that northern invasion to destroy His chosen land!  Verse 18 of that chapter clearly states:

 It will come about on that day, when Gog [leader of the northern invasion] comes against the land of Israel,” declares the Lord God, “that My fury will mount up in My anger. ”   ~Ezekiel 38:18

Indeed, despite the turmoil we see as the last days approach, our Lord will rule and reign in His chosen land when this event occurs!  The evil we see in Iran and Russia will incur the wrath of God.  Believers, these things happen AFTER the rapture, so be encouraged!  We may see chaotic times, but we will not incur God’s wrath!  

For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.  Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.  ~1 Thessalonians 5:9-11