Following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian positions in Syria yesterday, Russian Ambassador to Damascus stated:

“Russia strongly condemns the illegal Israeli attacks on Syrian soil. They pose a threat to international civil aviation and cause damage to life and property.”

Why is that significant?

Those who study Ezekiel 38-39 know that a ruler out of Russia will lead a coalition of Russia, Iran, Turkey and areas of northern Africa (likely Sudan and Libya) in a northern invasion of Israel. The Biblical name for that person is Gog of Magog and he is “prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal,” Russian regions.

Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin is very “Gog-like.” The former KGB agent smells blood in the water, realizes that America is too weak and/or does not have the resolve to contain him, and is very anxious to reestablish Russia as the world’s dominant power. He is flexing his muscle.

However, a look back at the Netanyahu era shows that Israel actually had a very good, though not necessarily friendly, relationship with Russia. For years, Russia turned a blind eye to Israel’s military actions in attempts to prevent Iran from encroaching on the Israeli border in Syria. With appropriate warning, Russia allowed Israeli fighter jets to operate in the region without threat of Russian anti-aircraft defense.

All that is changing, and is coming even more into alignment with what the prophet, Ezekiel, declared would happen! The Bible is more relevant and more accurate than today’s news!

Friends, we can trust Scripture 100% from Genesis to Revelation. For hundreds of years, Ezekiel 38-39 was a mystery. How could forces invade Israel if Israel was not even a country? For almost 2,000 years, Israel did not exist. (From the destruction and scattering of Jews in 70 AD until Israel was reborn on May 14, 1948.)

Israel is back in the land! But furthermore, Ezekiel says that Israel must be prosperous because that invasion will be about a coalition coming to take plunder and spoils. Israel had NOTHING…until they re-worked the land, causing it to bloom, then discovered oil and gas only a decade or so ago!

The prophet says that, before the invasion, Israel will be living securely in cities without walls. Though conflict is seemingly an ongoing thing, Israel has never been more secure than they are today. They possess one of the world’s best militaries, bolstered by perhaps the best intelligence capabilities on the planet.

If that is not enough, Ezekiel describes people groups who, once the invasion begins, stand on the sidelines, questioning why nations are invading. Clearly, Ezekiel names Sheba and Dedan among those who do not attack, but question. Sheba and Dedan are the ancient names of the moderate Sunni gulf states now in peace treaty with Israel, or in cooperation with them. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar…

Trust the Bible, dear friends! God’s Word is never wrong. Though Ezekiel 38-39 could not be fully understood even 50 years ago, we now see God putting all the pieces in place. BTW – here is what God Himself says:

I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords.

~Ezekiel 38:4

Today’s news simply verifies that God’s Word is true. Our King is coming! In fact, King Jesus will arise to defeat those enemies on the hills of Israel! He will be glorified and magnified. (Ezekiel 38:18-23)

Want some encouragement today? Sit quietly and read Ezekiel 38 and realize the sovereignty and power of our mighty Lord God!