Two months ago, US intelligence officials indicated that Russia had placed several tanks at a Syrian airfield, ahead of a military buildup.  Today, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s previous statements indicating Russia would not put “boots on the ground” in Syria, the Jerusalem Post and Reuters reported that Russian troops are now on the battlefields of Syria.

Meanwhile, Putin spent the day in Iran, discussing the recently-signed missile deal with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  Delivery of the Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missile system is underway.

While Israeli leadership has warned vehemently against removing sanctions on Iran, the P5+1 (including the United States) entered into a nuclear deal with Iran that not only removes sanctions, but opens the door wide for Russia and Iran to coalesce…just as Ezekiel 38 predicts.

In addition, as the US has vacated positions of power and authority (particularly in the Middle East), Vladimir Putin has wasted no time in stepping in to fill that power vacuum.  In fact, Forbes magazine has proclaimed him the most powerful person in the world!  Granted, Forbes is not the final authority when it comes to such rankings.  However, Vladimir Putin is certainly taking the mantle and wearing it proudly.

Many are quick to label Putin “Gog” of Ezekiel 38.  Though he seems to match the characteristics of Gog, it is too early to be dogmatic, so we won’t go there.  However, the point is clear: we are seeing things in our lifetime that we have never seen before.  Whether or not Putin proves to be Gog, we must be aware of the season in which we live.

Our Lord is returning soon…let’s be ready!