Russia Invades Ukraine! – Possible World War 3?
- Tanner Hawkins
- Feb 26, 2022
- 9 min read
By now, most are aware that Russia has officially invaded Ukraine. At the time of this writing, Russia has just reached the capitol Kiev and the battle ensues for its possession. Though Russia is vastly more powerful, it appears they are struggling to overtake Ukraine. Interestingly, 198 Ukrainians have been killed and 1,115 wounded compared to over 3,500 Russian casualties. The Russian Bear is trying to push west, and if he can manage to conquer Ukraine, it is doubtful he will want to stop there.
Why is this invasion significant? There are many reasons, one being that Ukraine appears to be a part of the territory of the Scythians who Josephus tells us correspond to Gog. Russia acquiring this land would make Russia’s territory more like that of the Scythians, further solidifying that Russia is Gog (also known by the fact that the word “chief” in Ezekiel 38:2 is “Rosh”). We emphasize that it is not necessary for Russia to conquer Ukraine, but it would not be surprising if they did. Regardless, Russia is further maturing in her role as Gog before our very eyes, and that is noteworthy!
The other reasons that this invasion is relevant are so numerous that we can hardly organize our thoughts! In short, it appears that we are beginning to see how exactly the latter-day prophecies will come to fruition. This topic has many facets, and though we ever-so-dearly wish to expound upon them all at this time, we have decided to break our comments up into separate Prophecy Letters for easier reading and absorption. Please bear with us.
To see the prophetical relevance of this invasion, we again refer to Ezekiel 38 in regard to the Lions of Tarshish and their only interaction with Gog as he descends to the land of Israel - “Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?” (Ezekiel 38:13). Please note the fact that there is no mention of these nations fighting against Gog. The text paints a picture of Gog going completely unhindered until the Lord Himself destroys them. This leads us to wonder, What circumstances might exist at that time that will allow Russia to go undeterred? The prophecy has long led us to believe that when Gog comes down, the Lion powers will be weak while the Russian Bear will be strong. Brothers and Sisters, the Russian invasion of Ukraine shows this very thing! These conditions exist at this present time!
What we are seeing in this conflict is a terrible weakness in the Western Powers, most of which comprise the Lions of Tarshish. The United States and Britain are the most powerful of the Lion nations. Consider what has recently happened:
1. Biden and Boris Johnson warned and threatened Russia against a Ukrainian invasion. Sanctions were implemented.
2. Putin completely ignored these and proceeded to invade.
3. Now that Putin has officially invaded Ukraine, what has been the response? More sanctions. And not only this, but Biden has clearly and unequivocally ruled out the possibility of sending US troops. He reasons thus: “That’s a world war when Americans and Russia start shooting at one another” (New York Post). Out of fear of World War, Biden has backed down and refused to send troops.
Can we see how this same sequence might occur in Ezekiel 38?
1. Gog begins his descent to Israel.
2. The Lions of Tarshish voice protest.
3. Gog knows the threats are either empty or weak and pays no mind, continuing on his path completely undeterred.
This could explain why there is no fighting mentioned between the two parties when Gog comes against Israel. Dearest Brothers and Sisters, please consider the importance of this. This could easily transpire with the current world leaders – we have a weak US under Biden and a strong Russia under Putin. The time appears very, very short my Brethren.
There is, however, another, more grave and daunting possibility that would explain the dispositions found in Ezekiel 38. It is possible that Russia and her allies might finally replace the United States as the leading world power through what would come to be called World War 3. How is this possible if Biden refuses to send troops?
If Putin gains Ukraine and decides to continue expanding, the next nation he will encounter will likely be a NATO nation. Like the United States, NATO has also stated that they will NOT send troops to help Ukraine (DEBKAfile). This is because Ukraine is not a part of NATO. If, however, Putin does invade a NATO nation, all the other nations of the pact will be obligated to come to their assistance. This would likely mean World War 3, and Russia and her allies China and Iran could potentially come out on top. This scenario is not as unlikely as some might think at this early stage. Consider some daunting history:
World War 2 began when Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany. At that time, however, this act was not considered the start of a World War. Germany invaded Poland and the world simply let it happen, thinking Hitler would be satisfied afterwards. It was not long, however, before he continued his expansion and became a threat to the entire world. The other nations waited too long to deal with the aggressor.
One historian illustrates numerous correlations between Putin’s actions and those of Hitler in an article entitled, 'Vladimir Putin is doing exactly what Hitler did when he invaded Poland in 1939' - Mirror Online” which we highly recommend as it will help show just how precarious this situation is. The historian writes, “The invasion of Poland in 1939 took place because Hitler believed he would get away with it, and that the West wouldn’t or couldn’t retaliate.” It appears that we might see this happen again. Putin is getting away with invading Ukraine.
At this present time, it is difficult to tell how much the situation will escalate, but Putin is following the same war path as did Hitler in 1939 and the Western Powers have thus far shown no signs of learning from that lesson.
Adding to the likelihood of another World War is what Russia’s allies are doing. China, who is working with Russia to overturn the world order, might also make a move of her own while the world focuses on Russia and Ukraine. China sees Taiwan how Russia sees Ukraine – as belonging to their old empire and needing to be restored. Headlines are appearing showing worry of a Chinese invasion:
On top of this, we also have Iran to throw into the mix. Though Russia commands the news headlines, we must keep our eyes on Iran. In short, a nuclear Iran is far more dangerous to Israel than a Russian Ukraine, and world leaders are recognizing this. Consider this article from The Jerusalem Post: Russian invasion of Ukraine is bad, nuclear Iran is worse. The Iranian factor of this crisis is so important that we are writing another Prophecy Letter specifically for it. We hope to send out in the next few days.
The point is, the Russia-China-Iran alliance are working together to challenge the world order, and if they all make their own prospective moves at once, the other nations will not be able to stop them all.
Though another World War is possible, we must emphasize again that it is not necessary to bring about the prophecy of Ezekiel 38, which we still firmly believe to be yet into the future after Christ’s return. It could happen with the present world leaders, though not at this present time. What we are seeing with Russia and Ukraine is incredibly significant as it will likely change the stature of the world powers, but Gog is not come about to come against Israel. There are yet too many pieces missing for this to happen. We have listed some of these reasons before, but here are a few more:
1. The Gogian confederacy has not yet fully matured. Turkey, which we identify with Togarmah, is acting against Russia in this conflict. Turkey just barred Russian ships from entering the Black Sea (Tass News). When Gog comes down, all of these other entities are said to be “with him” (Ezekiel 38:6,9).
2. Israel is not Russia’s goal. The only entity Gog comes against is Israel (Ezekiel 38:8,16).
This invasion of Ukraine is helping set up the Gogian invasion, but the time is not yet. We are beginning to see Russia’s disposition toward Israel sour, but it appears this will result in the war between Israel and the Proximal Arab states. THIS is what our next Prophecy Letter will be on, but here are merely a few news items to consider. Brethren, please think deeply upon these and see how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is setting up THIS LOCAL WAR between Israel and the heathen “round about” her, won by Christ and the saints – YOU AND I:
Whether the Russian-Ukraine Crisis will escalate to the extremity of another World War is not certain, but it is possible. Yet, there is the possibility that Russia will not be successful in her endeavors. In any case, it is profitable to consider these things in order to be prepared for all situations. Regardless, the angels are busy at work!
One last item, and that on a more positive note! Russia’s invasion is resulting in thousands of Jews fleeing the war and returning back to their ancient homeland. Israel365 News published an article entitled Bennett with urgent call for Jews of Ukraine: Save yourselves! Come home to Israel. Little do they know that it is God that is gathering them back to the land as prophesied in countless places. Here are but two passages:
Isaiah 43:5-6 - “Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth.”
Amos 9:14-15 – “And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.”
Brothers and Sisters, the world is in chaos everywhere we look. Costs of all sorts are only rising, and they will likely continue to do so. According to DEBKAfile, oil just reached its highest price in seven years. All this trouble was foretold!
Luke 21:25-26 - “there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of (the political) heaven shall be shaken.”
It can be frightful to see such troubles in the world, yet we must remember that these things are of the Lord. Our Lord, the God of mercy, is moving the nations as chess pieces in order to bring about His prophecies, setting the stage for the return of our Master. “He cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth” (Psalm 96:13).
The world will be completely changed by the reforms of the coming King. Though the Messiah’s wrath will be poured out upon this rebellious world, “unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Let us not fear the troubles we see! Take comfort! “The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy” (Psalm 145:20). Though the seas toss and roar mightily, let us rest confidently and quietly in our Lord’s promise: “lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20). Let us rejoice they show our Lord’s hand and the nearness of his return!
Brethren, the signs abound and abound. We simply cannot keep up with them all. To be honest, we wanted to invest more time into these comments, but events are occurring so rapidly that the work would never be completed, so please forgive us if these comments seemed haphazard. Yet, what a wondrous thing to be overwhelmed with! What cause for rejoicing! Yet also, what cause for self-examination and diligent preparation. Now is the time to trim our lamps. Now is the time to prepare ourselves meet our loving, merciful, and righteous Lord and Master face to face, for he comes, and he comes swiftly (Revelation 22:20).