Israel and the "Unholy Trinity" of Ezekiel 38-39

Over the last few weeks and months I have found myself truly astonished at the speed of which Bible prophecy appears to be unfolding on the world scene. If one looks back towards the election and inauguration of President Barack Obama, one will notice that around the same time things started to change for Israel and the Middle East in general. With the inauguration of President Obama looming in early 2009, Israel was pressured into ending the war with the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas during Operation Cast Lead. This pressure resulted in Israel not finishing their objective of wiping out Hamas and their military infrastructure. Instead, Israel prematurely ended the war in order to appease the incoming U.S. administration who did not want to enter office with the Middle East in outright war mode. This turned out to be a huge mistake for Israel and has set in motion the current situation where Israel finds itself in an even worse situation than before and after Operation Cast Lead. Not only have the terrorist organizations on the borders with Israel gotten stronger, they have also gotten the bigger players in the region such as Iran, Turkey, Russia and Syria to increase and amplify their anti-semitic propaganda and threats.

Looking around the news scene today I was astonished to see the names of Turkey, Russia, and Iran dominating the headlines. As students of Bible prophecy we know that these countries will make up three of the major players in the coming Gog and Magog war spoken about in Ezekiel 38-39. Let's look at today's news and take a look at the rumblings coming from the Middle East and from the "Unholy Trinity" of Ezekiel 38-39. The New York Times is reporting:

"Leaders of Russia, Turkey and Iran convened at a security summit meeting in Istanbul on Tuesday in a display of regional power that appeared to be calculated to test the United States just one day before a scheduled American-backed debate in the United Nations Security Council on imposing tighter sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program."

"In remarks at the gathering of regional leaders, the third of its kind dedicated to increasing cooperation and security in Asia, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran said a nuclear agreement brokered by Turkey and Brazil last month was a one-time opportunity and other countries had called to express their support for it."

“We’ve seen a lot of support from the international arena,” he said, according to the Turkey’s official Anatolian News Agency. “This is the voice of everyone’s heart.” Mr. Ahmadinejad also maintained a defiant posture toward the United States."

I find it very interesting that the NY Times article mentions the meeting between Iran, Turkey, and Russia as a "test" of the United States. The reason I find this interesting is that in Ezekiel 38-39 the prophet mentions that the far away countries simply throw a "mild protest" as the future Gog and Magog allies head down towards Israel for their ill-fated date with destiny in the mountains of Israel. With U.S. President Obama at the helm of the U.S. military, it would appear to me that the Gog and Magog allies are "licking at the chops" at the possibility of making a move on Israel given the recent outbreak of violence over the Gaza flotilla crisis. Even if the recent Gaza flotilla crisis hadn't occurred, it appears that the world has sensed a radical change in U.S. foreign policy under the Obama administration. Gone are the tough and determined ways of the George Bush era, in is the Islamic appeasing ways of the current administration. For me, this just seems to have emboldened our enemies and given them more motivation and determination to try to wrestle world control away from the West and more towards the East. As a result, the door has swung wide open for the arrival of the "Unholy Trinity" of Ezekiel 38-39. Eventually the leader of this conflict, Gog, will devise an evil thought and try to make a move on Israel in another effort to destroy the Jewish state. Only through the supernatural intervention of God does this plan fail and Israel is spared.

Another article that got my attention was one coming from Israel National News where it was being reported that Iran's offer to send two military ships to escort Gaza blockade ships was rebuffed, not only by Israel but Hamas as well. The INN article reports:

"The Iranian Revolutionary Guard said it would send two warships to the Mediterranean to escort ships headed for Gaza in defiance of Israel’s blockade. Israel, as expected, warned against the move, and even Hamas turned down the offer. “We do not want any military intervention,” Hamas senior figure Jamal Al-Hadri told the London-based A-Sharq al-Awsat. Israel said it would not allow Iranian warships to approach Israel or Gaza, just as it did 18 months ago by blocking access to Gaza. "The Iranian regime has called for Israel to be wiped off the map," an Israeli official has been quoted as saying, "and has a proven track record of supplying dangerous weapons to Hamas and Hizbullah... We cannot take a chance that there is weaponry on the ships… If we didn’t let an Irish ship reach Gaza, we are certainly not going to let Iranian ships pass.”

On the surface it would appear that Hamas would want to welcome Iran's intervention in the Gaza flotilla situation but, strangely enough, that doesn't appear to be the case according to the report. I would suspect that Hamas is very wary about an increased Iranian presence in the Gaza enclave should they send naval ships to Gaza. This sort of situation could erode Hamas' power in the strip and increase the influence of Iran. And Hamas certainly doesn't want that to happen. Despite Hamas being funded in a large part by Iran, the leaders of Hamas know that it is best to keep the Iranians at arms length and for good reason.

Another article from the Jerusalem Post shows that Turkey and Russia are making threats that they will not provide natural gas exports to Israel as a result of recent hostilities in the Middle East. The Jerusalem Post article reports:

"Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that they don’t plan to export natural gas to Israel via a new pipeline to Turkey. “There is no such thing on our agenda,” Erdogan said at a news conference with Putin in Istanbul when asked about the gas. Russia has held talks on shipping fuel to Israel from a pipeline under the Black Sea. OAO Gazprom, Russia’s natural-gas export monopoly, is negotiating supplying the fuel, Gazprom chairman Viktor Zubkov said on March 22."

This increased rhetoric aimed at Israel is just more of the same anti-semitic propganda that regularly makes its way to the airwaves. Despite the joint Turkish and Russian announcement, the article noted that due to Israel's recent natural gas find they may not need the Turkish or Russian gas anyway. The Jerusalem Post article went on to further state:

"Israel may not need the extra gas, which could be transported to Syria or Lebanon instead via the planned Blue Stream-2 pipe, Putin said. “The Blue Stream gas may not go to Israel because of economic considerations,” Putin said. “I don’t think Israel needs the gas because they found a reserve recently.” Turkey has said it’s considering paring economic and military ties with Israel and has recalled its ambassador to the country after nine Turks were killed on an aid flotilla headed for Gaza and intercepted by Israeli commandos last week."

What's interesting to me is that Turkey has been very "two-faced" lately towards Israel. One day you will find them on their soapbox making all sorts of demands and threats towards Israel and the next day you will find them trying to wedge themselves into the Middle East peace process as a "mediator". This ridiculous behavior shows that the Turks simply can't be trusted and should be removed from any serious Middle East peacemaking efforts. The truth is the Turks are sounding more and more like the Iranians with each passing day and this does not bode well for Israel as it is just a further sign that the conflict foretold in Ezekiel 38-39 is getting closer and closer with each passing day. While the actual conflict may be a little way off (Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17 may need to occur first), we can certainly see that the "Unholy Trinity" of Ezekiel 38-39 is definitely making moves on the world stage and heading towards their prophetic destiny. As we see this "Unholy Trinity" making their moves, we students of Bible prophecy need to be looking up, for the Bible tells us that when we see the signs of the end times around us, our redemption is drawing nigh!

Can you please do me a personal favor and try to refrain from calling God's prophetic Scripture "fortune telling"?

It is an offense against God's Word to use it for trivial purposes. Such as, fortune-telling. Creating colorful and imaginative speculations about the future by eisogesis. Apart from one event, and one trend, God's Word is chock-full of fulfilled prophecy, a living testimony to His faithfulness.

The one event we have to look forward to is "the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting, Amen."

The trend that will shape the remainder of history is -- the progressive subjugation of all of God's enemies. The one OT chapter most frequently quoted in the NT is Psalm 110 -- a King reigns, His enemies crumble. As each age brings forth new enemies, His people acquire wisdom and prevail. The Kingdom of God is mostly an under-the-radar operation, like seed quietly growing in a field, or yeast transforming a lump of dough. The reign of our King progresses as the gospel is preached, men are converted, and families are transformed by obedience to God's Word.

It is during times of apostasy, disaster, and fearful faithlessness that God's people find themselves seduced by the fortune-tellers. Perhaps, we try to justify the lack of fruit in our own lives by pretending that God has already ordained the global failure of the gospel, and the global triumph of evil. If God has ordained failure, who am I to worry about being fruitful?

Providentially, there is a reformation underway in America. As millions of families are coming to grips with God's expectations, the appeal of the doomsayers wanes. We celebrate a future as bright as the promises of God, and look forward to seeing children, and grandchildren, who will outperform us.

I see, so Jesus is to blame for you(r) character flaws, and by extension, so it anyone who puts forth the proposition that prophecy maybe being fulfilled.

No, I am fully responsible for "drinking the kool-ade." When we are deceived, we participate in the process, suppressing the alarm signals. A certain perverted kind of teaching appealed to the irresponsibility in me, abetted it, encouraged it. On the other hand, Jesus had sobering things to say about "teachers" who lead His people astray. About those who prey on human weakness.

(BTW -- I like your tagline. A guy in our church teaches NRA concealed carry classes.)

There is still much that needs positioning before the time of Ezk. events.

Absolutely. The belief of many prophecy scholars at this point is the next event on the timeline is the Psalm 83 war, perhaps as soon as this summer. Scripture tells us that in the aftermath of this war, Israel becomes an "exceeding great army", and has obtained more land.

This, obviously, creates the conditions for the Ezekiel war. Israel will have a false sense of security and will probably take down the wall they have around the country, thus fulfilling the Ezekiel "unwalled villages" scenario.

But the fact that we see the three main players in the Ezekiel prophecy getting as close as they are tells us a alot.

I do agree, some more things have to happen before the prophecy is literally fulfilled.

Providentially, there is a reformation underway in America.

Actually, there is not a reformation(revival?)happening.

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boaters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.(II Timothy 3:1,2,5)."For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine! But after their own lust shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables." (II Timothy 4:3,4).

Paul's last days speak of apostacy--not reformation

Like the rest of the prophecy thread hijackers, the train left the station months ago and you're still standing on the platform.

It's sad, really.

Keep trying to rescue this world system that's at deaths door. Keep denying Scripture, keep believing the opposite of what God has said.

I'll believe what Jesus said about these times we're living in and how He will be the One Who cleans up this mess. Not any of us.

Keep cooling your heals at the station though. I'm sure another train will come along some day.

I agree...apostasy is great and growing rapidly now...the great revival will actually happen in the last 3 1/2 years 7yr. tribulation period....understandably so as people will come to Christ then with all that will be unleashed in the world during the last 3 I/2 years of that period.

I spoke the other night with a great saint of God...90 yrs old! She is still praying for revival but understands this is not likely as things continue to play out and deceptions are so easily accepted today.

There just doesn't seem to be any discernment of evil and that which opposes the things of God these days. Obama’s election is telling of the mindset of the people....they are easily deluded today.

Yes, I am on the side which believes we will be taken up before these wars happen....”to try the earth”....but I am not so sure what is happening in the middle east currently signifies either of those wars....it’s just too early. But I am watching Russia’s moves as close as possible....hard because the news doesn’t report much...but Putin is surely on the move off the radar.

Some think these earthquakes and various events now are evidencing the times are here....however what is coming makes these look like a trickling brook by comparison...He said these would be and only “the beginning” of what is to come....sort of like thunder at a great distance...

I can understand your hesitation and frustration of end times events. Like you I have seen many come and go over the years....and we are still here. But I have not, and many don't, structure their life around these at all.... Rather, we find it interesting as the nations move into positions which are clearly what things will look like, as they move to align, when that time does comes.

In the 60’s no one would have thought possible the nation of Israel would become just that “in one day”..but that is exactly what happened...and prophecy was 100% accurate on that note...it always is and will be.... Thus that event set the stage for watching as events over the years unfold.

We see Israel once again becoming a “stumbling block” for the nations...and all eyes face there once again....this has happened before of course...but it is still very interesting to see how things just may evolve as the prophecies unfold once more across the world stage.

Additionally, most understand that any of these events can and do slow down and speed up thru the years....this is a speed up time and with it comes a natural anticipation and excitement for Christians who know that their going home may just be on the horizon...maybe not as well....but we are always to look for Christ's return regardless of how things play out on the world stage...and thus we “listen” for the sound of His voice...and the trumpet to sound...that it is time. It IS exciting of course....but most realize this also means a short time left to make know the Gospel of Christ to others...and there are few today willing to listen as time and tide have revealed....that fact alone indicates the time draws near....

So for myself these times we are in today are most interesting and a reminder to make each day count...I think most see it that way as well.

Actually, there is not a reformation(revival?)happening.

I'm sorry you're unaware of the exciting things God is doing, today, in millions of American families. The future is bright, since God is preparing such a remarkable younger generation to serve Him in it.

As for the scripture verse you misuse, let's look at the context. The old missionary is writing a final letter to his one faithful protege, the one man he is most counting on to continue his work. He is giving this younger pastor advice that the younger pastor needs. The older man has a date with the executioner, and wants to make every word count.

So, he takes a break from instructing, admonishing, and encouraging the younger pastor, to speculate on stuff that won't happen for the next few thousand years ...

Right. And I have some Florida property to sell you.

Give thought to the possibility that Paul was writing to Timothy in his epistle to Timothy. Consider the remote possibility that maybe, Paul was giving Timothy the sage counsel that Timothy needed when facing the issues of his age.

Perhaps, the "last days" (plural) were the forty-year overlap era, between the inauguration of the New Covenant, and the final discarding of the trappings of the Old Covenant.

but most realize this also means a short time left to make know the Gospel of Christ to others...

I appreciate the cordial tone of your response, and look forward to comparing notes in the world to come. Look me up in a thousand years or so, and we'll rejoice together in how God worked in our lives.

I have several problems with "prophecy teaching." For one thing, the "prophecy experts" never see brighter days ahead. None of them predicted the fall of the Soviet menace, for example. I spent two weeks in Ukraine in 1992. Those people were devastated when their system of meaning, their apparatus for understanding the universe and their place in it, was discredited. They were also hungry for the gospel. The church I belong to now is post-millennial, Calvinist, charismatic, and passionate about campus ministry. They started planting churches in the former Soviet bloc as soon as the wall came down. You have to wonder. Did any of the churches that regarded Soviet communism as an immovable fixture for the rest of history get in on that open door?

In 1945, Douglas MacArthur begged America to send 10,000 missionaries to Japan. What he got was engineers -- and today, Japan is one of the most materialistic nations on earth. Were God's people ready for victory, and open doors? Apparently not.

Speaking of 1945, when the US State Department engineered the triumph of Mao Zedong's regime, there were perhaps 20,000 Chinese Christians. Today, there are closer to 100 million Chinese Christians. A ministry sponsored by my church has provided training for indigenous leaders who are responsible for maybe 30 million of them.

Would a church that expected nothing from God attempt great things for Him? Our expectations shape our efforts. If we have decades ahead of us, we'll get a doctorate and undertake serious scholarly effort. We'll write books. If we only have days ahead of us, we'll dash off tracts. Serious achievement takes the consecrated effort of decades. A church that scorns the future will not be taken seriously. See my tagline.

I am impressed with your awareness and churches work on behalf of other nations. You have obtained an understanding of cultures and national living that most can only get from history books or unfortunately that which is piped in on various news sites. This is to your advantage.

It was exciting when the Soviets were eager and ready for the gospel...and who wouldn’t be at that point in their nations history. At last the doors were open! It has and still is an exciting time...but as you know that door could close any time again as their nation moves closer to it’s original status quo...Putin is surely moving their nation that direction once more and is riding a very fine line doing so.

I have often wondered why God did not permit the deciples to go into the Asian countries....and have yet to understand why that was...but as you stated their have been times where the door has opened and God’s people have gone and won hearts to Christ. Even today there are many active missionaries throughout those countries....and this is a good thing.

I see you are post-millennial in you thinking which does explain some of the frustrations you encounter with those who are pre-millennial......either or position the Gospel remains formost to take to the nations and the unsaved. Though many saw the Iraq war and Aphganistan war as a terrible thing...it has indeed opened the door for people there to come to Christ and they are! So great things are indeed happening for God as you yourself are aware and have seen.

I see you are concerned that some churches might “scorn” the future for believing these times we live may be the end times...however do keep in mind that for this very reason there is a push to reach as many as possible before that door closes...be it in the near future....or thereafter. Looks like the Lord is using the willing on both ends of the spectrum because it remains still ...all about Him and those who He will bring.

Matthew 24:1-15

1And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

2And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

The Lord and our Father have given us EVERY WARNING POSSIBLE. They have told us EXACTLY WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND HEED.Are you calling God and Jesus fortune tellers?

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