Dear friends, this is a post I never wanted to write, yet I believe we must take heed of what we see in the world today, the lack of leadership by world leaders, and what God’s Word tells us about end times.

First, I am not a “doom and gloomer.” In fact, just the opposite. For those of us who have truly committed our lives to Jesus Christ, what we see in the world today only confirms the promises of God’s Word. The absolute “worst thing” that could happen to us on this earth is death, which is simply a coronation into the eternal presence of Jesus our Lord. (Read to the end because it ends joyfully!)

What saddens me, though, is the flood of demonic influence that has all but overtaken our world. That is what I never wanted to write about, yet it cannot be ignored. So, here is my thesis statement of the day: the Satanic ideology that is rampant in the Middle East knows no bounds. It is not relegated to borders, so it is coming to Europe and America. (It is hard to gauge the Far East, as news is limited. However, when considering the evil perpetrated by leaders in China, North Korea and other Asian nations, it seems clear that demonic forces are certainly at work there as well.)

When Europe had the grand idea of eliminating borders and unifying as the European Union, terrorists began flooding in. Turmoil created by the Arab Spring in the early-2010’s was a catalyst in mass migration of terrorists into Europe, and it has only increased since then. Today, there are huge pro-Palestinian demonstrations in major cities such as Rome, Paris, London and more. They are emboldened by what has taken place in Israel, and (I believe) will employ that boldness in terrorist attacks across Europe.

It will also happen in America where pro-Palestinian protests are happening as well. First, we changed America’s history to imply that we are a racist nation (not true!) and that “minorities” are somehow owed something for nothing. (Rather than just being Americans, we have been segregated in minority/majority, black/white, oppressed/oppressor, etc.) Then, we allowed organizations such as BLM to propagate that trash. Next, we thought it would be a good idea to defund police and allow crime to go unchecked. We shut down our country for COVID, thus destroying the American spirit and inducing laziness and greater entitlement. The border was thrown wide open so that millions of unvetted people (many of them 18–35-year-old fighting men) could enter our country. Along with that, they have brought enough drugs to kill every American.

Add to that, America has sent billions of dollars and stockpiles of equipment and ammunition to Ukraine without any accountability, to fight a war that has nothing to do with America. Of course, that was on top of the $billions of military equipment abandoned in Afghanistan. (BTW – don’t think for a moment that equipment didn’t end up in the hands of terrorists who will use it against us!) Now, two aircraft carriers and their strike groups are committed to the Mediterranean area due to the war in Gaza.

While thankful that America seems to be showing commitment to Israel, one has to wonder how shallow our military supplies are becoming. It will also be interesting to see if America truly stands with Israel once international pressure is fully applied. Honestly, I am not convinced America’s commitment is all that strong. I hope I am wrong, but we’ll see. (More about that below.)

Despite that as our reality, God’s Word has never been wrong. We might misinterpret it, but His Word will forever be the standard. So, I caution you to do your own search of the Scriptures rather than simply accepting any meager commentary I make.

For me personally, I believe God is God and can do whatever He pleases. If peace in the current situation is His will, He is fully capable of bringing it about. I hope He does!

However, with one eye on Scripture and one eye on world events, I’m carefully watching what happens in two places: Syria and America. Isaiah 17:1 tells us straight up that one day Damascus will be utterly destroyed and uninhabitable. What could cause a city to be beyond the capability to be rebuilt? Either something extraordinarily destructive (nuclear, biologic or some other munitions?) or time. (Perhaps there will not be enough time left on earth as we know it to rebuild a great city.)

Damascus is the key transfer point of Iranian-supplied weapons and equipment into Lebanon and beyond. It is regularly the target of Israeli airstrikes attempting to prevent the transfer of weapons they know will be used against them. Once Damascus falls, there is not only a hole in the supply chain (perhaps inducing “time to act”), but a clear path for enemy forces to storm Israel’s northern border.

If you know Scripture, you are aware that Ezekiel 38 describes an invasion into Israel, and it actually names participants (by their ancient names): Russia, Iran, Turkey and areas of North Africa such as Libya and Sudan. Currently, Russia has military bases and is operating in Syria (just to Israel’s north). Putin has come out very strongly in support of Hamas’ raid on Israel, and Russia may have even supplied intelligence and/or equipment to Hamas. Iran obviously has their eyes set on destroying Israel and has said so over and over again for decades. Turkish president Erdogan has also been very vocal in his support of the “Palestinian cause.” Libya and Sudan (to date) have been more silent as partners in the coalition but have served as terrorist training bases and/or transfer points for weaponry to Gaza.

So, why do I keep an eye on America as well as Syria? Because Ezekiel 38 also tells us that Israel will stand totally alone during that invasion. Thus, as long as America is there, standing with Israel, the invasion described by Ezekiel cannot happen. The key question is: how long can/will America stand with Israel. Already, I sense waffling, as the current administration is urging Israel to back off their aggressive plans to eliminate Hamas. (Despicable!) Once American presence is gone, it seems to leave the door wide open for Israel’s emboldened enemies to immediately attack from the north.

Thus, the table is not quite set for the Ezekiel 38 invasion, but is getting very close. Of course, no one knows if the rapture happens before or after that invasion. But consider this: Ezekiel 38-39 describes the fury of God when He comes to Israel’s defense. The furious God of Israel will wipe out Israel’s foes, leaving that part of the world a smoldering mess. The time and situation will be very ripe for a leader to emerge, proclaiming a grand plan and promising a rebuilt temple for the Jews.

That man will be the Antichrist.

Though we do not know the day or the hour of the rapture (which will take Christians out of this world), we do know the restrainer (Holy Spirit living within us) must be taken out of the world before the Antichrist is revealed. (2 Thessalonians 2:5-12) If, indeed, the Ezekiel 38 invasion clears the path for the Antichrist to arrive on the scene, and since the Antichrist cannot be revealed until the restrainer is taken away, then how close are we?

If you are a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, fear not! God will be faithful to rescue us from the wrath that is to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:10) In fact, one of my favorite promises of God is this:

14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” 

~John 14:1-3

Unbelieving friends, Jesus died to take away your sins, and He rose again to give you everlasting life with Him. He is preparing YOUR place as well, and will come again for YOU. But you must believe in Him by faith and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. (Romans 10:9-10) No need to live in fear of what’s going on in the world today. No matter who you are or what you have done, put your trust in Jesus.