Welcome back friends!

It appears we are seeing shades of the prophecy the Lord revealed to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 38.  To put things in context, consider the previous two chapters.  Ezekiel 36-37 clearly describe the re-birth of Israel, and that prophecy was fulfilled in 1948 when Israel became a nation again.  Thus, there is merit to the idea that the table is set for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39.  Are we seeing shades of it today?

Ezekiel 38 describes an invasion of Israel that will take place from the north.  Verses 1-6 identify the major players in that invasion and Bible scholars agree that Russia (Meshech and Tubal) and Iran (Persia) are the key nations that will lead that invasion.  In the end they will be partners in crime!

Now, let’s look at today’s news through that Scriptural lens.  In 2010, the United Nations leveled sanctions against Iran because of violations to agreements relative to their secretive nuclear ambitions.  Prior to that (2007), Russia and Iran agreed to a weapons deal whereby Iran was to purchase about $800 million worth of S-300 missiles.  Russia agreed to the 2010 sanctions and voluntarily banned the transfer of those missiles to Iran.

On Monday, however, just days after the P5+1 and Iran reached a framework deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the ban on the transfer of those S-300 missile systems to Iran.  It is important to understand that the final deal has yet to be worked out, yet Putin is destroying international sanctions and ignoring the UN embargo.  Astonishingly, the Obama administration “didn’t believe the proposed missile sale would jeopardize the nuclear negotiations.”

Seemingly, world leaders continue to turn a blind eye to key elements in Iran’s nuclear ambitions.  While the S-300 missile system is supposedly a defensive weapons system only, it’s intent is almost assuredly meant to protect the illicit nuclear facilities that Iran refuses to shut down.  Apparently, the ability for Iran to protect illegal facilities is no big deal to American negotiators.

Yes, every step that is taken to strengthen the relationship between Russia and Iran is noteworthy.  Every agreement made between the two brings them a step closer to the alliance that Ezekiel 38 describes.  The Bible is not clear on the exact timing of the Northern Invasion described in Ezekiel 38.  However, most Bible scholars believe it will happen within 3 years (before or after) the start of the tribulation.  If that is the case, and if we see the Russia-Iran coalition building, then it seems that the season is upon us.  The tribulation could be sooner than we think.

And if the tribulation is soon…and the rapture precedes it…how close are we to the day when God the Father sends His Son to snatch believers out of this world (rapture) to meet Jesus in the air?  It could literally be any moment!  Let’s live our lives as though it is today.

Blessings!