Prophecy is powerful. God can predict the future with exceptional accuracy. Amazing accuracy, you say? Yes! God is correct 100% of the time! Because God is omniscient (all-knowing), He can predict with precise clarity events that have yet to happen, and He has.
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Ezekiel 12:25 (NKJV) “For I am the Lord. I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass; it will no more be postponed; for in your days, O rebellious house, I will say the word and perform it,” says the Lord God.’ ”
The Bible is filled with prophecy (precise predictions). Over one-quarter of the Bible (depending on how you count it) is predictive prophecy. God wants us to know the future so that:
- He will be worshipped and glorified when it comes to pass.
- We will have our faith strengthened.
- We will be prepared to respond in a godly, biblical way as things He predicted come to pass.
Is there any prophetic significance to all that is happening in Ukraine today? Yes. Yes, there is. While not a war spoken of specifically in the Bible, the nation of Russia and its leader are mentioned in the Bible as related to a significant war against Israel in the last days.
Ezekiel 38:1–6 (NKJV) “Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 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. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you.”
In Ezekiel 38, the prophet Ezekiel speaks of a coalition of nations gathered together with Russia to invade Israel in the last days. This is often referred the war of Gog and Magog. The nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38 are stunning, Rosh (Russia), Magog (probably includes former Southern Soviet republics like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and possibly even northern parts of modern Afghanistan. Mesach and Tubal (Turkey). Persia (Islamic Republic of Iran), Put (Libya), Gomer (Part of Turkey), and other regions. As Russia descends from the North down into Israel, the destruction of the armies of Israel in the last day’s war will be so great that it will take over seven months to bury all of the dead and gather all the weapons and burn them.
How does this relate to the current crisis in Ukraine? It’s a striking revelation of just how much of a formidable foe Russia currently is and will continue to be in the last days. God predicts it. We are reminded that things can change instantly and how quickly an evil leader can create havoc of global proportions. While this is NOT the war of Gog and Magog, it is an insight into Russia’s turbulent existence.
Why is it important? Very simply, Jesus can return at any time! It’s of utmost importance that you see this! I believe that will all of my heart. The rapture of the Church is closer than it has ever been. It’s even closer than what Paul believed when he wrote to the first-century believers in Rome:
Romans 13:11 (NKJV) “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now, our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
The imminent return of the Lord is called the “blessed hope.” As we await our blessed King, our lives are changed, and our impact upon a lost and dying world is expanded.
1 John 3:3 (NKJV) “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
In scary and challenging times, we must turn to Jesus and remember what he taught us. He said, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.Matthew 24:6 (NKJV). “
As scary and challenging as this is, nothing surprises God. Wars on the tail end of a pandemic or what many call a plague (pestilence) on the tail end of a lockdown on the tail end of…. Back to back, on top of each other, crises on a global scale begin to mirror what Jesus predicted would happen just before his return. He compared these signs to ‘labor pains,’ increasing in intensity and frequency. The end is nearer than it ever has been.
Here’s the conclusion, really two conclusions.
First, seeing these things should motivate you to godliness and godly activity. Don’t merely be a prophecy buff studying and talking about all the signs without personal movement. No, see them, and get busy about your Father’s business. Now.
Secondly, pray. Pray for the people of Ukraine, Russia, and their families worldwide. There are over 15 families in our fellowship alone with direct personal relationships in the region. God hears our prayers. Please pray now.
We can’t do everything, but we can do something. So let’s cooperate with the Holy Spirit and “Be The Church” when the Church is needed the most!
Thank you Pastor Ed. Thank you for sharing this message of hope and encouragement to shake awake. I needed this.
This is an amazing reminder. We pray daily, especially with a newfound friend that lives in the Bucha region near Kyiv. For their safety as well as their salvation.
Thank you Pastor Ed for sharing your wisdom and knowledge as you are being led by the Holy Spirit. This truly ministered to my heart and soul. We are definitely living in the last days. I will continue to be in prayer for the Ukraine and Russia. Im also asking everyone to pray for our military service people. My husband was deployed to Poland. Im also praying for their safe return home. God bless you all!
Pastor Ed – the Holy Spirit has given you discernment to illuminate these things in the last days. Your call to action struck a chord with me, as the time is short. While none of us know the day nor the hour of His return, I pray that all of us do not waste the time, resources, influence or other gifts we have been given, as all will be held to account. While our salvation is by grace, God cares about the fruit of our lives. I don’t want to be one of those dry, frail trees he cuts down, because I bear junk fruit. I want to produce more, better quality fruit than I have. God has brought each of us here for such a time as this. Now is the time for Him to shine through us, all to His glory both now and forever. The victory is already His.
It is the armies which are advancing against Israel that will fall, not Israel!
Ezek 38:3 God is against Gog. v18 When Gog comes against his people Israel, God is furious.
Ezek 39:1-7 God will supernaturally fight against the advancing armies, saving Israel, so all will know that he is God. v2 only a sixth part of those fighting against Israel will remain.
v12 Israel will be burying their fallen enemies for 7 months and their weapons for 7 years v9.