WHERE DOES RUSSIA FIT IN THE END TIME PROPHECY? (final part)

(Final part)

Not for more than 20 years has Russia been so much on world news, unfortunately not in a good way, mostly for negative reasons. The last time that Russia created so much furore was in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The invasion of Ukraine, once part of that same Soviet Union, has created a turmoil from Russian's army. One cannot ignore that this has been cooking for some time now. Over 7 years ago, the peninsula of Crimea, which was also part of Ukraine, was taken over and annexed by Russia. In doing so, Russia violated a mutual treaty that they had with Ukraine in which Russia had committed to respect the existing borders of Ukraine.

As everyday passes, more destruction have been occurring. Eastern Ukraine, and soon all over Ukraine's territory is under armed conflict. Courageously, the Ukrainian troops are fighting the mighty Russian forces.

Europe and Ukrainian neighbouring countries cannot believe and are quite alarmed by this aggression. Now the fears are that it can be spilled over to other European territories neighbouring Russia, such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania which would open the way to the heart of Europe. These aggressive moves are raising fears of a renewed Russian expansionism. So much so that the present president of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker, recently called for the formation of a united European army, and said the following: "a common army among the Europeans would convey to Russia that we are serious about defending the values of the European Union".

How might this play out in Bible prophecy?

But there is good news, not only for Russia but also for the rest of the world. Jesus Christ will return to put an end to human politics, greed and war.

It is obvious, then, that most of us will want to know what the Bible has to say about Russia.

Let's not forget that Russia has by far the largest territory of any nation on earth with almost twice the land of the world's second biggest country - Canada. It is one of the greatest world powers, with one of the world's most formidable, modern and well equipped militaries.

No one knows what tomorrow will bring, we don't have a crystal ball but we do have something far better and that is the Word of God.

God said in Isaiah 46:9-10: "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."

It is simple, only God knows with certainty what the future holds! God is unique in His knowledge and in His control of the future. Isaiah affirms the sole lordship of God. His consistent purpose is to carry out what He has planned.

It is God's "time machine".

It is important to note that when prophecies are mentioned in the Scriptures, they are usually given from the reference point of Israel and its capital Jerusalem. God describes this as the place to which Jesus Christ will one day return to be King and rule all the earth. So where does Russia fit in? From the geographical description given in biblical prophecy, there is a strong indication that Russia will play a significant role in the "end-time" events.

We must prepare for a fast increasing world trouble that soon will come to our doorstep.

I have been writing about the war in Ukraine to help you understand what it means from the view of the Bible and key prophecies of the end of the age. We are watching a significant event in Europe, and the longer it goes the greater will be the impact on our present world order. Europe has received a wakeup call. America's leadership is being tested. Other nations who depend on wheat grown in Ukraine and Russia know that higher prices are coming, as well as shortages. We are getting a primer on what the Bible shows will be a larger period of tribulation and trial upon all the world, "There will be a time of distress such as not happened from the beginning of nations until then," (Daniel 12:1).

This great turmoil is tempered by a great promise of hope for true believers.

Facing this moment without losing hope is important. Dealing with uncertainty and the anxiety that comes will take grounding in faith that God is guiding these times.

But let's not forget that we are to be children of light and not darkness. When we focus on the light, we can reach a calm and confident courage and state of mind. We can fight off anxiety and fear that comes with the news of the day. This is time for the disciples of Jesus Christ to focus on preparing for the time beyond the troubles of this age. We who live now have before us the opportunity and challenge to prepare now for the coming age of Christ’s reign on earth.

The wise will understand and seize the moment.