LEARNING DAILY

 

Zechariah 12:1-3, This message concerning the fate of Israel came from the Lord: “This message is from the Lord, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the spirit within humans.  I will make Jerusalem and Judah like an intoxicating drink to all the nearby nations that send their armies to besiege Jerusalem.  On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone, a burden for the world.  None of the nations who try to lift it will escape unscathed.  (New Living Translation)

 

Ezekiel 38:4, I will turn you around and put hooks into your jaws to lead you to destruction.  I will mobilize your troops and calvary and make you a vast and mighty horde, all fully armed. (NLT)

 

It is really difficult to let the events that have transpired over the weekend go by without comment.  We watched intently the things that were televised from Afghanistan wondering what was happening.  All I could think of was God pulling the nations of the world to the Middle East and wondering what and if this has anything to do with the end times scenario.  How many times was Russia and China mentioned regarding their involvement with the Taliban who has now taken control of the country?  It was mentioned that the only two remaining embassies in Kabul were those from these two countries. 

 

Russia has a definite interest in the Middle East.  Ezekiel 38 prophetically tells us that Magog, the land from the north will invade Israel along with countries of Arab descent; God has said, “I will turn you around and put hooks into your jaws to lead you to destruction.”  In October of 2019, Iran joined a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union – Russia is a member of this union.  Russia had already been providing aid to the Syrians in its civil war. Essentially this helped Russia strengthen its position in the Middle East.  Why is this important?  Russia is part of the coalition of Arab nations that God will cause to invade Israel.  This event is still to come and is described in Ezekiel 38 and 39.

 

China’s involvement in this area is a bit of a mystery.  China is quietly becoming influential in North Africa, using business interests to disguise their ambitions there.  Their ambition is to build military bases in the Mediterranean area – so I have read.  Does anyone else wonder what this ambition will lead to?  Articles I have read for this writing mention Israel as an area China is interested in. 

 

So, I am very interested in what is on in Afghanistan!  Magog includes the former nations that made up the former U.S.S.R.  Some scholars include Afghanistan in the area of Magog.  Russia’s present influence in Afghanistan would support this, in my mind.  Events are moving in the direction of biblical prophecy being fulfilled.  Do not be filled with fear!  This only means that the return of Jesus for His Church is near. I remind you of the words of Jesus in Luke 21:28, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  Judgment on the ungodliness and unrighteousness of this world is close.  As Christians we need to be living our lives on the narrow road that leads to the kingdom of God.  Do not walk near the edge!  Live your life seeking, hungering, and thirsting for God’s righteous- ness.  Look to Him as your provider and your strength.  Be encouraged because when you look to Him, keeping your eyes on Him, you will find He is all you need.