God through his prophet Ezekiel states that He will destroy Russia and the armies of other nations. Magog, most believe, refers to Russia and states there will be a time when Russia and a number of countries will storm toward Israel. It is believed those nations will be Islamic nations who have a tremendous dislike for the Jewish people.

Ezekiel 39:1 – 6 – “Son of man, prophesy against Gog and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. I will turn you around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel. Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand. On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals. You will fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Sovereign LORD. I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the LORD.”

There are many reasons offered as to why Russia will be drawn to attack Israel. We know why Islamic nations are ready to attack. It is because of their hatred of Israel and their belief that they should not exist and must be annihilated. My belief for Russia is because of their financial situation. Approximately 70% of their countries’ income is from the exporting of natural gas, oil and related products.

Israel has located a large amount of natural gas off the coast of Israel know as the Levant Basin reserve. If Israel were to begin exporting gas to those dependent upon Russian gas, they could financially hurt Russia badly. If Russia defeated Israel, they could continue to export their natural resources plus gaining the natural gas and oil that Israel has located. They could continue their price gouging of the central and middle European nations. This is why Europe wishes to import natural gas and oil from anyone but Russia.

Up to now, world leaders were calling Russia just a normal nation. Was President Reagan correct in calling them the “Evil Empire”? Without energy resources Putin could do nothing. Many in the U.S. believe oil, coal and natural gas has been a corrupting influence on the world and our society in particular. Thus, global warming, climate change or any unusual weather pattern is hyped to eliminate these corrupting influences on the world. Stop using these resources and there would be no money available for wars and terrorism. It may leave everyone as a third-world nation and in poverty, but at least there could be world peace according to some on the left.

The seriousness of current conditions indicate that the U.S. and NATO allies are preparing to hold military drills in Ukraine this summer, 2014. There is a chance that some NATO forces could remain in the country afterward. The West wants to send a message to Russia. They are committed to defending democratic nations in Eastern Europe. The U.S. is locating strategic weapons in case they are needed.

Ezekiel 38:16 – “You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.”

If you do not want to be surprised, concerning the war to come, read Ezekiel chapters 36 through 39. God is giving everyone a warning. This is what will occur: Ezekiel 38:21 – 22 – “I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.”

This is what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah or it could be Israel using its nuclear weapons. Ezekiel indicates this will be a tremendous military disaster. Scripture says the loss of human life will be so great that it will take Israel seven months to bury the dead. The armies will leave enough fuel behind to provide fuel for some cities for up to seven years.

Ezekiel 39:6 – 8 – “I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the Lord. I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the Lord am the Holy One in Israel. It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign Lord. This is the day I have spoken of.”

This indicates that Russia, the nation, could be attacked by God. In addition, other nations living in the coast-lands could also be attacked.

As we come closer to the end times, through the defeat of Russia and those nations with them, we will know that it was God who defeated them. Once people of the world realize there is a God and see the punishment these nations received, they may possibly believe there is a hell. Can you imagine the number of people who will be ready to accept Christ as the Son of God and become converted Christians?

No one knows when this will happen. With Russia seemingly being able to take Ukraine’s Crimea so easily, it may give Putin confidence to begin the war that Ezekiel prophesy’s will happen. The U.S. and NATO’s military exercises in Ukraine may not send any message other than they are not prepared to militarily attack Russia.

This war could occur within a matter of time. We know that Israel will be attacked. We know the outcome. Israel will be protected by God. The wise will be able to recognize that God was Israel’s Savior. God’s reputation will be protected.

In Old Testament times, Israel used Egypt to protect them from their enemies. God did not like that because He was their protector. American has protected Israel for the past 65 years. No longer will God allow the U.S. to protect Israel because He alone will. Therefore, the United States is not referred to in Revelations as a defender.

Wouldn’t you think that Russia would realize what will happen if they attack Israel? It is very possible that they do not believe they are either Gog or Magog and Meshek and Tubal are not Russian cities. Otherwise, why would they do it? Because God will pull or drag the nation from the north which Russia is north of Israel. The other nations north do not appear to be capable of attacking without Russian help.

Churches, are you getting ready for overflow crowds?