JRMI: Jerry Robinson Ministries International

Thank You Russia -- For What?

Written by Jerry Robinson
Originally Posted on 5/10/2005

World events are becoming rather comical, aren't they? I do not mean to infer that they have grown humorous in the normal sense of the word, but rather that they have taken on a strange irony that watchers of prophecy are rightly perceiving as a peculiar joke.

So we read that Russian President Vladimir Putin is excited about helping usher in a new 'Mideast peace.' Remember that prior to the collapse of communism in 1991, the former Soviet Union held much power over Arab nations in the Middle East. But much of that power was lost after communism's demise. Through a series of recent strategic deals, Putin appears to be seeking to exert more influence in this region, thereby returning Russia to its former 'glory.' Putin, in his most recent State of the Nation address, said the Soviet collapse was "a genuine tragedy" for Russians. Putin went on to call the demise of the Soviet Union, "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century."

According to Mikhail Margelov, a presidential advisor to Putin and chairman of the Federation Council International Affairs Committee, "A new Middle East policy is an important part of Russia's mission in Eurasia."

Are you piecing this together yet?

For the sake of clarity, let us briefly examine some of Russia's recent policy moves toward 'peace' in the Middle East:

President Vladimir Putin has promised help for the Palestinians

This includes rebuilding the Palestinian infrastructure and security forces, providing military helicopters, and delivering economic aid for the Palestinian economy.

Putin has made plans to sell short-range missiles to Syria

This includes upgrading Syria's military and transferring higher tech missiles to Damascus. Yet Putin has been quick to point out that the deals do not threaten the security of the Jewish state.

Putin has agreed to supply nuclear fuel to Iran

Recently, while in Jerusalem and Ramallah, Putin reiterated that Russia was vehemently opposed to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. "We are not planning to do anything that would upset the balance of forces in the region," Putin stated according to an AFP report.

In an unrelated story, last week the highly reputed German magazine, Der Spiegel, reported that a German company sold and delivered missile technology (rocket-building technology) to Iran. The magazine said the German technology 'was intended for use in Iran's Shahab, or Shooting Star, medium-range missile program that can carry a nuclear warhead and reach Israel and various US military bases in the region.'

Russia has planned to resume arm sales to Iraq

According the Mideast Newsline, a range of weapons and ammunition will be provided to Baghdad on a cash basis in the near future.

Putin has offered to provide nuclear expertise and technology in helping Egypt reboot its nuke program

This story is still developing...

Russian Military Currently Spending Largest Sum on Arms Since Collapse of Soviet Union

Russia is rearming its troops “to fight terrorism,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said. Russia has also been working to create weapons that no other country possesses, Ivanov said in a recent interview. "Not a single partner or ally of ours knows anything about" the secret weapons and "nor will they until they are tested." In fact, Ivanov recently boasted that there is no missile defense system in the world capable of repulsing the new nuclear missiles that are being developed in Russia.

Russia is Staging Joint War Games with China

The two countries are expected to hold their joint military exercises in late summer or early fall of 2005. These exercises will include the army, navy, air force units and submarines.

This Was Foretold...

In light of all of these developments, President Bush, on Sunday, graciously thanked Russia's Vladimir Putin for help on Iran and the Middle East and said "there's a lot we can do together." Moscow remains one of the four sponsors of the Middle East peace roadmap plan, which seeks to create a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. Additionally, this week the EU reportedly urged Russia to seize the 'window of opportunity' to join the World Trade Organization by 2006.

Despite how things appear on the surface, God's Word has foretold these events and those who understand their Bibles know what things must come about from these disturbing developments. According to Ezekiel 38-39, Russia will align herself with a group of Islamic nations who will attempt to destroy Israel in a surprise attack. This attack will occur when Israel is dwelling in a relative peace as Ezek. 38:11 states that Israel will be a land dwelling safely with 'unwalled villages.' This is hardly the case today.

Sadly, the world is vastly unaware of what is coming upon it. This ignorance of the ever imminent return of Christ reminds me of a parable by one of my favorite philosophers, Soren Kierkegaard:

Kierkegaard tells a parable of a theater where a variety show is proceeding. Each show is more fantastic than the last, and is applauded by the audience. Suddenly the manager comes forward. He apologizes for the interruption, but the theater is on fire, and he begs his patrons to leave in an orderly fashion. The audience thinks this is the most amusing turn of the evening, and cheer thunderously. The manager again implores them to leave the burning building, and he is again applauded vigorously. At last he can do no more. The fire raced through the whole building and the fun-loving audience with it.

"And so," concluded Kierkegaard, "will our age, I sometimes think, go down in fiery destruction to the applause of a crowded house of cheering spectators."

"Watch therefore [give strict attention, be cautious and active], for you do not know in what kind of a day [whether a near or remote one] your Lord is coming."
-- Matthew 24:42 (Amplified Version)

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Thank You Russia -- For What?