The world today is on edge. The rise of Russian aggression is leading us down a fast track to World War 3. Those who are believers in Jesus, we know of the promise of His soon return and of the signs that point to that day. What we are seeing today is a clear sign that the coming of Christ is very near. The world stage is set up in such a way that things are moving quickly toward the end of this age.

                There are many prophecies in scripture that has already been fulfilled. Those pertaining to the rapture of the church, the tribulation period, and the second coming of Christ are still yet to be seen. Most Bible scholars believe that the next great event on the Biblical prophecy timeline is the rapture of the church. Believers around the world are waiting for and anticipating that day. There are those who take a different view and do not believe in the rapture of the church; however, all believers can agree that current world events are pointing to the day in which Christ returns and sets up His kingdom on earth. We can debate the details of these events; however, what we can all agree on is that Jesus is coming again and there is nothing that the world can do to deter the culmination of the age in which we live and the ushering in of a new age where Jesus Christ rules and reigns as King.

                There is one particular prophecy that has left many students of the Bible scratching their heads for some time. It is a prophecy that has yet to be fulfilled. Some believe that it will take place after the rapture of the church and others believe it will take place before. The prophecy I am referring to is found in Ezekiel 38-39. This passage speaks of a mighty nation called Gog and Magog. Bible scholars agree that Gog and Magog and the Prince of Rus is all references to modern day Russia and its leader. It is interesting to note that Ukraine is located in the area inhabited by the descendants of Gomer that is also mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39. To sum it up: According to Ezekiel 38-39, the leader of Gog and Magog (Russia) will have major territories under his control. Eventually, those territories under the control of the leader of Russia will be aligned together in a full out attack on the nation of Israel. Such a scenario is certainly very possible with the current economic affairs of the world and the tension between Russia and the United States and their allies.

                What we are seeing today is the rise of this great Russian empire. Russia will not stop with Ukraine. Putin will seek to gain more territory in what, I believe, we are seeing today as the start of World War 3 and will culminate with Russia and the regions under its control rising against Israel. However, as we read in scripture, God will intervene, and Israel will be protected. This protection could be in a supernatural way, or perhaps, through other means such as from the United States and other nations. Eventually, the Bible says, the capitol of Russia will burn with a fervent heat. Is this a picture of a nuclear war? There is much to consider. For example, Ezekiel 38-39 mentions the soldiers fighting on horseback. Is this simply symbolic or do we take it literally? Some suggest that nations will destroy themselves through nuclear war and by the time you come to the war described in Ezekiel and other conflicts prophesied in Revelation, the world will resort back to primitive warfare. I am of the belief that the description of the details of battles are symbolic because the writer of these prophecies would not have understood modern weaponry. However, I could be wrong in my understanding on that particular point.

                No matter how you view the details, the point remains clear. With the rhetoric of Vladmir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine and the obvious desire of Putin to revive the former Soviet Union, what is taking place before our eyes today is the set up for a third world war and eventually the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39.

Here is some food for thought based on my undogmatic assessment. It is my opinion, though undogmatic opinion, that the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39 is a prelude to the introduction of the anti-Christ. Consider this: Why would Israel or any other nation agree to a 7-year peace deal with a world leader unless there is a major war leading to such an agreement? We know the tribulation period starts with the signing of that peace treaty. As a believer in the rapture of the church, I believe we will see Ezekiel 38-39 played out just before the rapture of the church. At which time, a trusted world leader will intervene and bring peace to the world and will begin his reign as the anti-Christ. I am also of the undogmatic opinion that the man who will be the anti-Christ is already on the world stage today. However, that is a discussion for another time.

So, with the events of today, how should believers in Christ respond? First of all, rejoice! Jesus is coming soon! Secondly, pray for the people of Ukraine and all those who will be caught up in the crosshairs of war. Third, pray for the peace and safety of America and of Israel. Finally, pray that the Gospel prevails and do everything we can to lead as many people as possible to Jesus. When all is said and done the only thing that matters is whether or not you know Jesus as your Savior. Let today’s events be a wake-up call to believers around the world. Time is running short. Now is the time to preach the Gospel like never before. We must have an urgency about us to bring the Gospel to all the world before it is too late.