Pieces Are Being Moved On The Cosmic Chess Board

     Having trouble making sense of the players in the Middle East and how it all might align with End Times prophecy?  Don't worry ... I am, too.  To be honest, I have never felt that I needed to position everything I was seeing with the puzzling timeline offered by Scripture.  It's not that I think I will be raptured and it will be of no consequence to me -- (I happen to think that we Christians will be needed on earth, for a time, to offer words of hope, encouragement, and endurance during the battles leading up to God's wrath against the wicked) --- it's just that I have always figured that God will clearly reveal those times and His instructions for His people, when it is necessary.
     That being said, it's hard to ignore some of the major world events we are seeing before our eyes.  And it's really hard to look at them through Western eyes.  We, in America, tend to forget that the Bible's inspired writers and prophets were Middle Eastern, and we try to translate and understand their epistles and letters through the lens of today's Western experience.  So, I'm not here to say that I have any unique insight into what's happening around the globe; and I probably have more questions than answers.  But I thought we should at least look at what's in the news and be aware of how events can impact us in the present, as well as their End Times implications.

      For me, right now, it's all about Russia and what is really going on between the world's superpowers in the Middle East.  It's all over the news that Russia has deployed a small, but consequential military force into Syria, which may have the potential of changing the dynamic in that war-torn country.  It has been four years since the start of the Syrian civil war, with U.S.-backed rebel forces fighting against Syrian President Bashar Assad and his faithful Syrian army.  The sectarian war has created a breakdown in authority, providing the opportunity for ISIS to get a foothold and begin building their caliphate.  Russia has said that they want to assist Syria in fighting ISIS, and that is their primary objective in coming to Syria's aid.
     But, as always, when global powers begin making military moves, there is more to the story.  From what I can gather, there is a history of a Russia/Syrian alliance, back to the 1970s when Assad's father, Hafez al-Assad, aligned with Moscow.  In fact, Syria is among the last proxies, or representatives, of the Russian political influence in the Middle East.  Interestingly enough, that puts Russia on the same side as Iran, who also provides military aid and guidance to Assad through their proxy, Hezbollah.  Apparently, Vladimir Putin was getting a little concerned that Iran was having too much influence in Syria, hence the show of military force.
     There are also those who surmise that Russia's escalating presence in the Middle East might forecast a threat to Western interests; or on the other hand, provide valuable intelligence and military aid in fighting Islamic jihad.  Either way, Russia gives themselves a way to bargain for Western and European concessions in regards to Ukraine and economic sanctions.
     But what I find even more interesting than the Russia/Assad vs. US/Syrian rebels chess match, is that Russia appears to be partnering with China in forming a coalition to take the fight to ISIS in the Middle East.  One news source reported, "according to a senior officer in the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) that is stationed inside the Syrian coastal city of Latakia, Chinese military personnel and aerial assets are scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks (6 weeks) to the port-city of Tartous."

     Add to this news the suggestion that Turkey was waiting in the wings to take advantage of Syria's civil war, (before Russia and China showed up), and you have the makings of the major players in both the Ezekiel 38 war and "the army of the Kings of the East" mentioned in Revelation, Chapters 9 and 16.
     Can I make all the puzzle pieces fit nicely to form a clear picture of End Times events?  No.  But there is enough going on that my spiritual radar is up.  And it just seems as if the world is careening towards, if not an apocalyptic alignment of a one-world government, economic, and religious system, then at least an Armageddon-style conflict that will result in the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies of an emerging New World Order and Anti-Christ kingdom.
     Of course no one, least of all me, has any proof that any of this will happen, or that it is Biblical.  But, as we are called to watch and stay awake, I think it is incumbent upon us to pay attention to these events that are quickening our spirits.  So, listen carefully to the words of Vladimir Putin, as he appears before the UN General Assembly today.  See if you can hear the prophetic words of Scripture in his speech.  And then remember --- all these world powers are jockeying for position; for winner-take-all in the sweepstakes that is the Middle East.  But we know that there are really only two players in the game ... the devil and God.  We are living out a cosmic chess match that has already been won in the spiritual realm.  All that remains is for our KING to be crowned!

Luke 21:36    "But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."




   

The Jews: Targeted Again

     When will the world admit that European Jews are the object of extermination?  Again, within a month, Islamic terrorism has claimed the lives of innocent Jews; this time in Denmark at a cafe and outside a synagogue in Copenhagen.  And it's beginning to sound like a lame excuse to lay the blame on "lone wolf" jihadists.  What is Europe's fear in being honest about the widespread ideology that has targeted those of Jewish descent across the continent?  By ignoring the blatant hatred of the Jewish people, do heads of state think they can mollify the terrorists and diminish the number of attacks?  And how long is the world going to tolerate such an inaccurate theory?  The fact is, anti-semitism is on the rise and it is no longer limited to just words against the Jews.
     Would it surprise you to know that rather than face terrorism charges, Danish jihadis who return to the European country from Syria are offered rehabilitation?  And would you find it astonishing to know that more Danes travelled to Syria last year, per head of population, than any other European country except from Belgium?

Flowers line the street outside the Copenhagen synagogue.

     Do you agree that these are random attacks, and it is merely coincidental that Jews are the victims?  Or do you agree with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, who says, "Again, Jews were murdered on European soil just because they were Jews?"
     So, let's say we agree with the less offensive first assumption -- that it's all just a sad coincidence; that Jews are dead due to the "random" and irrational attacks of a few lone gunmen.  What is Europe doing to make sure another Jew does not become another arbitrary statistic?
     I will admit that Europe has a checkered past in regards to their estimation of the Jews over the last 100-plus years.  For instance, from the beginning of the Twentieth Century, Europe has been suspicious of the dominance in the world economic (or banking) system of Jews like the Rothschild family.  There have long been implications of the control of worldwide financial activity, fanning the flames of World Wars, and an agenda to destroy the power and influence of the Christian Church -- all for the sake of world dominance.  These theories are not without substantial merit.  But is this reason enough to warrant a century of suspicion and hatred of ALL Jews?  Satan has been successful in infiltrating the Jewish line, but as the Bible tells us, God always retains a faithful remnant unto Himself.
     Thus, the 20th Century saw the deaths of millions of innocent Jews in the pogroms (massacres) of Russia and the Holocaust in Nazi Germany.  Now, in the 21st Century, instead of being embraced as part of the European trend towards multi-ethnic and multi-faith communities, the Jews are isolated and segregated, just as they were prior to WWII.
     The truth is, the establishment of their own nation in their historic homeland -- to which millions of Jews have returned since the Holocaust -- did nothing to assuage the hatred or the hostility towards the Jewish people.  If anything, it intensified the enmity.  The creation of the nation of Israel somehow gave cause to label all European Jews as "Zionist Imperialists".  The continued economic crises in 21st Century Europe have given rise to the old associations of Jews and financial control/exploitation; the same bias that ignited Nazi Germany.  Together, with the rise of the Muslim population in Europe, who view the Jews from the 21st Century perspective of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, you have a two-pronged attack against European Jews.  It becomes apparent that both anti-semitism and anti-Zionism fuel the perception of Jews in modern Europe.
     So will Europe be able to stem the tide of Jewish murders and persecution?  Or is this just a precursor to Isaiah's 2700-year-old prophecy that God would draw His people back to their homeland from the north, south, east and west.  Jesus, Himself, in speaking to the Jews, promises wars and rumors of wars; and that "you will be hated (despised) by everyone because [you bear] My name and for its sake."  Remember, that Jesus was a descendant of the tribe of Judah by his lineage, and He very clearly states in this passage that Jews will be persecuted and despised.  But Jesus also gives a quick little prophecy about a fig tree that "puts forth its buds and comes out in leaf".  Is He prophesying the re-emergence of the nation of Israel?  Is this a reconstitution of ancient Israel, growing and putting out shoots after a period of dormancy?
      And what does the Lord's statement mean in the following verse, when He says that when you see this happening, know that the Kingdom of God is at hand?  Could it be that this is just a Cosmic Chess Match, as submitted by author L.A. Marzulli, and the persecution of the Jews today is just an ongoing effort by Satan to try to stay one move ahead of God's plan to redeem the world through His Son, the Jewish Messiah?  If so, the words of Prime Minister Netanyahu would seem prophetic in themselves:  "This wave of attacks is expected to continue, as well as murderous anti-Semitic attacks. Jews deserve security in every country, but we say to our Jewish brothers and sisters, Israel is your home."
     At this time, Denmark and Europe seem to want to categorize the latest murders as an attack on the freedom of expression and free speech.  Satan has been clever in deceiving the world into falling for a false narrative.  But those of us who see clearly know that we are edging closer to the precipice.  The chess match is coming to a close, and neither player is willing to resign from the game or allow it to conclude with a draw.  But here's the deal:  we know Who the winner is; we know which King will run out of plays and be captured and thrown into the abyss.  You see, a Kingdom is the place where the King resides, and the Prince of this world will soon abdicate his position of power and the Kingdom of God will truly reign on the earth!  And the world will despair of how they treated the House of Judah.  Europe and the world ... take notice!

Click here for a report on the Copenhagen, Denmark shootings as reported by the U.K.'s Daily Mail.

Luke 21:28-32     "Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near. And He told them a parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees; When they put forth their buds and come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and perceive and know that summer is already near.  Even so, when you see these things taking place, understand and know that the kingdom of God is at hand.  Truly I tell you, this generation those living at that definite period of time) will not perish and pass away until all has taken place."

Hold On To Your Hats For This One: Satan Wants To Come To Oklahoma!

     When I first contemplated writing this post, PLW told me, "Don't get too fringe-y; you don't want to scare 'em".  But when I see something as blatant and in-your-face as I'm about to show you, my response has to be, "But they need to know."  So hang on to your hats (tin foil and otherwise)!
     As preposterous as it sounds, what I'm about to tell you is surely a sign of the times ... the End Times, that is.  Even if you're not a Christian, you must confess the existence of Good vs Evil, right? And in case your local MSM affiliate isn't reporting this story, I think you should know that a New York-based Satanic Temple formally submitted its application to erect a 7-foot-tall statue of Satan that it wants to put at the Oklahoma state Capitol, in response to a Ten Commandments monument which was placed there in 2012.
     You might be asking why the New York Satanists don't just mind their own business and keep their occult monuments on the East Coast.  Why inflict their evil designs upon the good folks of Oklahoma?  But, as a Christian, I already know the answer to that question:  Satan is in a cosmic chess match with God, and he just made his next move.

     This artist's rendering depicts the statue, which features Baphomet, a goat-headed figure with horns, wings and a long beard; said to be used as a symbol of the occult.  That's putting it mildly -- the Baphomet has been adopted as the official symbol of the Church of Satan; in other words, Satan himself.  In the rendering, Satan is sitting in a pentagram-adorned throne with smiling children next to him.
     It's important that you know the true significance of the pentagram.  Now, there are those easily deceived folks who will tell you that the pentagram is a symbol of a star encased in a circle, always with 5 points (one pointing upward), each having its own meaning. The upward point of the star is representative of the spirit. The other four points all represent an element; earth, air, fire, and water. All these things contibutite to life and are a part of each of us.  They will then naively (or not!) inform you that to wear a pentagram necklace or other form of jewelry, is to say you feel the connection with the elements and respect the earth.  Like I said ... they are easily deceived.
     As Wikipedia reveals, the pentagram has been the object of various symbolisms:  In medieval Christian tradition, the pentagram could represent the five wounds of Jesus. In the Renaissance it came to be associated with magic and occultism, and is also found as a magic symbol in the folklore of early modern Germany (Drudenfuss). In modern use, it is sometimes used as representing the Seal of Solomon, and it has religious significance in various new religious movements (including certain forms of Neopaganism) as well as in occultism.
     My understanding is that each of the five points of the star represents the five "I Will's" of Satan that are listed in Isaiah 14:  1)  I will ascend into heaven, 2) I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;  3) I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north;  4) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, and 5) I will be like the Most High.  Kind of makes sense why the Church of Satan would adopt this symbol right?
     But to add to the absurdity (not to mention the blasphemy) of their plan to build this monument, the Satanic Temple group released a statement which said, in part, that the statue "will have a functional purpose as a chair where people of all ages may sit on the lap of Satan for inspiration and contemplation."  Furthermore, on its website, the Satanic Temple claims "Satan stands as the ultimate icon for the selfless revolt against tyranny, free & rational inquiry, and the responsible pursuit of happiness."
     Lest you think that this whole premise is so ridiculous as to be dismissed, I wrote this post as a warning that Satanic belief systems are becoming more socially tolerated in this country.  In fact, The Truth Wins website recently reported that while Islam is the fastest growing major religion in the U.S., Wicca is growing at an even faster pace.  In fact, according to Wikipedia, Wicca experienced an average annual growth rate of 143 percent in the United States between 1990 and 2001.  I have personally heard from chaplains during my Wounded Warrior service that they are alarmed at the popularity of Wicca in the military.
     So, while this whole idea of such an offensive statue being erected at a State Capitol might seem laughable, I think it would serve us to take it seriously ... very seriously.  While Oklahoma lawmakers have rejected the notion thus far, saying Satanists should not be given the same treatment as Christians,
only time will tell how this move on the cosmic chess board plays out.  I do not think it absurd to think that Christianity will continue to decline, nor that monuments like this actually do begin to be erected across the land.  When a nation removes God from its foundation -- from the classroom, the government, the military, and the family -- then what do we expect to be left with?
     Our God made it pretty plain how He feels about us replacing Him ... "“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me...".  There's your air, earth and water; He will soon show us His fire!

1 Corinthians 10:20-21     "No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons."