Is Gog-Magog on the Move?

Prophecy watchers have been watching Russia and Iran with great interest. We know that Ezekiel 38 and 39 makes a clear reference to modern day Russia. Ezekiel mentions a figure known as "Gog", which is a title given to the leader of the land of "MaGog". Ezekiel 38 also tells us that Gog is the "Chief prince of Meshech and Tubal". We know these names as the descendants of Noah - a group who later became known as the Scythians, who settled in what is now known as Russia. If this clue weren't enough, we get further confirmation of this idea, in Ezekiel 39:2, where God announced to Ezekiel that this group (Magog, Meshech and Tubal) will ultimately invade Israel from the "far north". From the perspective of Israel, this can only be Russia.

This week, Russia has invaded, not only the "disputed" area of South Ossetia, but they have also sent missiles and troops into the larger cities of Georgia and are threatening to continue moving south. As reported Russia is attempting to overthrow the government of Georgia, and from ongoing reports, this appears to indeed be the case.

A glimpse of maps of the region clearly indicate that Russia, once in control of Georgia would have a corridor through Turkey, to northern Israel. Lebanon and Turkey are already squarely in Russia "camp", based on mutual agreements, both militarily and economic, which have taken place over the past several years.

Its hard to see exactly how this story will play out. There are many many rumors circulating at the moment - too many to post. To summarize, there are many possibilities:

1. Russia has been quite vocal in their displeasure with U.S. efforts to bring Georgia into NATO. This invasion sends a strong signal regarding that scenario.

2. Israel has been providing Georgia with arms for several years; something else that Russia has been unhappy with. Additionally, rumors have been circulating that Israel was planning to use Georgia's airports and military landing strips for an invasion of Iran's nuclear sites. Russia may be intervening on behalf of Iran (aka "Persia"), in order to help prevent Israel's potential attack.

3. Russia has been attempting to gain more and more access and control in the Middle-East. Russian control of part, or all of Georgia would give them an excellent "staging" area for influence just a little further south - in the Middle East.

These recent events are ominous. The rhetoric between Russia and the U.S., who is an ally of Georgia, has reached cold war status. Its difficult, as usual, to see exactly what will occur next. We know the invasion from "Gog-MaGog" will come from the north, and Russia is now moving towards the south. We may be seeing the very first stages of the invasion of Israel, by Gog's forces.

Jesus told us that we would see "War and rumors of war", but we should not be alarmed (Matt. 24). God is in control, and He has a master plan that is rapidly coming to a conclusion. The geopolitical alliances and movements taking place right now, are shaping up exactly as the prophetic scriptures indicated.

Keep watching. Gog may be on the move. Ezekiel 38 and 39 seems more in focus today than ever before.