Luke 21:9-10 NKJV — “But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
Peace and goodwill towards all mankind seems to be the last thing on the minds of the forces behind the troubles plaguing the Middle East. For some time the focus has been on the conflict in the country of Syria.
Israel Targets Hezbollah Arms Depots near Damascus. Courtesy of AP
During the overnight hours of December 26, 2018, Israeli fighter planes apparently attacked targets near Damascus, Syria. Syrian state media reported that its air defenses repelled a missile attack. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not confirm the airstrike but released a short statement saying, “an [Israeli] aerial defense system went off against an anti-aircraft missile launched from Syria. No damage or injuries were reported.”
Israeli F-16 Fly Over. Courtesy of AP
Bible prophecy is always a hot topic, especially now, when events around the world seem to point to something with biblical significance. The continuing conflict in Syria has raised questions about end time prophecy and are we really close to the end?
The Prophet Ezekiel. File / Archive
In the book of Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39, the prophet Ezekiel writes about a battle that will take place in the latter days between Israel, Gog and Magog. A battle that many bible scholars claim will take place at the beginning of the tribulation period and a battle where God will supernaturally intervene and defeat the enemy of Israel. A battle so devastating for the enemy, it will take seven months to bury the dead. Is this battle near? Are coalitions gathering for this attack against Israel?
Map of the Battle of Gog and Magog – Ezekiel 38 & 39. File / Archive
Ezekiel 38:5-6 NKJV — “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.
Several nations are named in the book of Ezekiel but are the anti semitic movements in these countries gaining momentum? The changes that have taken place in Turkey over the past decade and a half could possibly indicate the latest piece of the puzzle falling into place. Before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ascent to power, Turkey and Israel enjoyed a close working relationship, from tourism to trade to the military and beyond. That began to change when Erdogan was elected prime minister in 2003. Since that time, he has become increasingly open about his plan to reshape Turkey into an Islamic state. He wasn’t subtle and indeed was quick to oppress and/or arrest anyone who opposed him.
Official Flag of the Country of Turkey
File / Archive
More than 2,700 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel listed Turkey in the Gog-Magog alliance, which includes Russia (Magog), Iran (Persia), Sudan (Cush), Libya (Put); and Turkey (Gomer). Since his ascension to power nearly 15 years ago, Erdogan has not hidden his hatred toward Israel and the Jewish people. Turkey’s growing friendship with the Gog-Magog alliance is indisputable evidence of the coming fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 and 39. The best part of this frightening scenario is God’s intervention on behalf of His covenant land and people. Still, God advises His people;
Ezekiel 38:7 NKJV — “Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them.
It’s the first airstrike since President Trump announced that he’s withdrawing US troops from Syria.
The withdrawal of US troops could prove to be problematic for Israel and the region but Israel has claimed that they’ll be taken steps to protect themselves from their adversaries which includes the country of Iran. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will not allow Iran to further entrench itself inside Syria and won’t allow Iran to funnel weapons to its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah.
Israeli Military Preparedness. Courtesy of AP
Conditions in the Middle East can literally change from day to day and though precautions are being made we must realize that the events written in Ezekiel are destined to happen and all of God’s people, Jew and Gentile, must pray for peace and time to minister the Gospel to those who need the salvation of the Lord.
Matthew 24:14 NKJV — “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
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