Tension, rhetoric, and conflict are spreading globally while countries join alliances and expand weaponry, signaling the approach of the wars that MUST come
READ TIME: 6-7 Minutes
The Four Winds Stir the Seas
Over 2,500 years ago, Daniel wrote of a vision of four beasts emerging from the sea. From this vision, we learn of a beast that will appear at the end of this current age. While we focus all our attention and analysis on the beasts, we miss something important. Before the beasts emerge, Daniel tells us, “the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea.” What can we learn from this statement?
The phrase, the four winds, can mean different things in the Bible depending on its use. One way this term is used is to describe the four horsemen, as noted in Zechariah 6:5. In Revelation, we see the four horsemen sent out from heaven to prepare the earth for the end of this age. These spirits will stir up the sea, which represents an earthly origination, the realm of man.
One of the four, the second horseman, takes peace from the earth, and in doing so, men will slay men. Jesus also speaks of this end-of-age sign in Matthew 24, stating, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Make sure that you are not alarmed, for this must happen, but the end is still to come,….“
The Greek word for “this must happen” is dei, meaning necessary. This word/phrase is significant. It tells us that the wars at the end of the age are a necessary part of God’s plan.
As we near the end of this age, we see wars and talk of wars on the rise. Tension is spreading worldwide, and alliances are forming, raising the potential for world war. War is inevitable. And if war is coming, what is its purpose in bringing about the end of this age?
Why are Wars “Necessary” at the End of the Age
Wars shift power. They rise up and tear down, placing new countries in control. They also change boundaries, territories, and rights of passage. The concentration of power in the world today does not match the description of the concentration of power in the days of the Antichrist. Today’s powers must wane before the beast government arises.
The Antichrist will rise in the Middle East. Daniel describes his rise among the beasts (empires) of the Middle East. We see him depicted in Daniel 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 as rising in the Middle East with his heart set against Israel. In Ezekiel 38, we see him come against Israel as Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, which were located in modern-day Turkey.
Today the Middle East contains apocalyptic dictators, nuclear weapons, nuclear development programs, and terrorist groups hell-bent on the destruction of Israel.
But the Middle East today is not the home of the world’s superpowers. Not to diminish these countries’ importance in today’s world; Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Israel are legitimate powers. However, they have not attained the superpower status held by U.S., Russian, and China. But something will change between now and the time the Antichrist reigns. At his height, he will be able to restrict global commerce and force worship across all the people of the earth. For this to happen, the current superpowers must lose subside.
How will this occur?
The Small Dog Waits
A friend told me a parable of two big dogs fighting over a bone. A small dog stood by and watched as the big dogs fought for their prize. With the big dogs tired, wounded, and distracted, the little dog walked up and took the bone.
Imagine a “little dog,” or perhaps a “little horn” watching Russia, China, the U.S., and their respective allies fight it out while he awaits the time when the superpowers are too tired, wounded, and distracted. And at that time, he conquers three other countries (perhaps Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq), gains alliances, and then moves against Israel. The War of Gog and Magog begins as powers including Turkey and Iran converge on Israel with the intent to remove the Jews from the land.
This example is not far from reality today. War is afoot, and the world senses it. Countries are joining alliances, acquiring defense systems, and upgrading weapons. Over the last half of August, the concentration of war-related news headlines shows the world is preparing for war.
Recent Headlines of War Preparations
- Moscow warns of end to Russia-US relations if assets seized – Jerusalem Post 8/13/22
- Putin tells Kim Jong-un that they will expand ‘constructive bilateral relations – Fox News 8/14/22
- S.Korea calls for talks as N.Korea test fires missiles – JPost – 8/17/22
- Russian navy should be equipped with tactical nukes, says Russian scientist – JPost 8/19/22
- IRGC head reveals multi-point strategy against Israel – JPost 8/21/22
- Turkey accused of killing teenage girls in Syria drone strike – JPost 8/21/22
- Russia starts mass production of Zircon naval hypersonic missile (nuclear capable) – JPost 8/21/22
- (also Russian defense minister announced contracts worth half a trillion rubles including S-500 anti-aircraft missiles and RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles)
- Japan mulls deploying long-range cruise missiles to counter China – JPost 8/21/22
- Cyprus has decided to purchase Iron Dome from Israel – JPost 8/21/22
- Taiwan: 5 Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan Strait median line – JPost 8/21/22
- Iran receives U.S. response to nuclear deal draft, Lapid decries deal – JPost 8/24/22
- Gantz discusses US-Israel cooperation against Iran with CENTCOM commander – JPost 8/26/22
- China eyeing land in the South Pacific creates ‘considerable unease’ in Australia – Fox News 8/26/22
- U.S. Coast Guard cutter denied entry into Solomon Islands port sparking concerns of China’s growing influence – Fox News 8/27/22
- The war that the impending nuclear deal won’t stop – analysis – JPost 8/28/22
- Iran starts enriching uranium with advanced IR-6 machines at Natanz – JPost 8/29/22
- Solomon Islands to ban U.S. navy ships from ports – U.S. embassy – JPost 8/30/22
- Taiwan fires warning shots at Chinese drone near offshore island – Reuters 8/30/22
- Taiwan vows to counterattack if China’s forces enter its territory – Reuters – 8/31/22
- Germany sending warships to Indo-Pacific as tensions with China escalate: report – Fox News 8/31/22
Keep in mind that these headlines appeared within a span of 18 days. War is in the air, and all countries are sensing it and responding.
Alliances form as Tensions Rise
These headlines indicate countries are forming alliances to strengthen their positions for both offensive and defensive purposes.
With Russia’s war against Ukraine, neighboring countries are seeking to join NATO for protection. Five countries have declared their aspirations to join NATO, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland, Georgia, Sweden, and Ukraine. NATO Allies signed the accession protocols for Finland and Sweden in July 2022.
With NATO expanding its member base, Russia has been expanding its relations with former enemies. We have seen Russia, China, and Iran cozying up to each other in recent years, and though Turkey is a member of NATO, it has grown close to these countries as well. And in response to the recent NATO expansion, Russia is now improving relations with the rogue nation, North Korea.
Iran continues to enrich uranium to levels above what would be required for an energy program while they stall western countries with unacceptable demands. Current and former Israeli Prime Ministers have publicly stated that they will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and will take military action if needed.
China continues to expand its influence in the Pacific. In addition to threatening Taiwan, it is building sea bases and is even negotiating the purchase of a deep water port and WWII airstrip in the Solomon Islands. This prospective purchase is raising concerns in nearby Australia, which could be cut off from North America by an enemy with a foothold in the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands have now declared they will not allow U.S. naval ships in their territory and recently denied access to a U.S. Coast Guard ship.
Countermeasures Taken
With Russia attacking Ukraine and China threatening to invade Taiwan, other countries are taking countermeasures. Japan is considering deploying 1,000 long-range cruise missiles to increase its counterattack capability against China. These missiles would be capable of reaching both China and North Korea. Cyprus, concerned with a Turkish incursion, is purchasing the Iron Dome defensive missile system from Israel.
Russia is also deploying its newest hypersonic, nuclear-capable cruise missile, the Zircon, which can reportedly reach speeds of Mach 10 or 7,610 miles per hour. The Atlantic Shelf is under 200 miles southeast of Washington DC. At top speed, such a missile launched from a submarine could cover that span in under two minutes.
Alliances can be effective deterrents to war, but if war breaks out, alliances can expand the scale of war. Under NATO collective defense, an attack on one Ally is an attack on all allies.
The Wars that Must Come
Jesus stated that wars must come at the end of the age. In making this statement, Jesus was referencing the then-current age, the Age of Torah, and foreshadowing the signs to come at the end of this age, the Age of Grace. The six seals stand as evidence that the signs Jesus described in those days will manifest across the whole earth at the end of this age.
The second horseman takes peace from the earth, and the wars and rumors of wars etched across today’s headlines testify that he is riding today. Will widespread wars start this year, next year, or years from now? We don’t know. But the sheer number and scale of headlines demonstrate that we are living in this time.
However, Jesus instructs us through the words He spoke nearly 2,000 years ago. “Make sure that you are not alarmed, for this [wars] must happen, but the end is still to come.” – Matthew 24:6.
How can we not be alarmed? Wars bring death, destruction, and crimes. They cause the loss of family members, loss of property, and scattering of refugees. The answer is that when we see these signs, we know Jesus is close.
As He stated in Luke 21, “But when these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.“
Related Posts:
Wars of the Second Horseman and the Christian Call to Arms
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Insights You Have Never Heard
Antichrist Spirit Rising: The Paradigm at the End of the Ages
Q.T.: The Ships of Kittim Prepare for the Coming Battle
Really liked the 2 big dog parable, but instead of two big dogs I look at it as 3 big dogs, US, China and Russia fighting over the bone. I wonder how Turkey will eventually vote for Finland and Sweden, keep hearing they will vote them in and later Erdogan won’t because of they won’t hand over some supposedly terrorists ? Only caught bits and pieces of this argument so not really sure what is going on over there. I’m not going to date set but it just seems to me that the whole world is going crazy and things are speeding up or maybe it’s just wishful thinking on my part because of how bad things are in the world. I was curious about how you view prepping ? We haven’t done a lot but we have stocked up some with food and medicine just in case things get a lot worse.
Great comment. It is hard for us to see exactly how things will play out in the upcoming years, but by understanding the big picture painted by Biblical prophecy we can discern when the times and events are lining up with our expectations. This is happening now. I have been contemplating this very topic this morning. On prepping, I have thought a lot about this. I think it is wise when we know something is coming to prepare for it. Joseph was forwarned about the drought and famine coming to Egypt, he prepared, and was rewarded for his faithfulness. I believe it is wise to stock up extra food for times of shortages, but remember, Joseph did not just prepare his own house, but he prepared for all of Egypt. So when we prepare we should consider not just our own needs but the needs of our neighbors who may not see this coming. All of our hearts will be tested when we need to share in times we have little. I also believe that if we make Jesus our provider today, He will continue to provide in times of shortages. Remember the woman who used the last bit of flour and oil to make bread for Elijah (1 Kings 17).
Yes, I agree . We live out in the country but have neighbors who are either senior citizens or lower income with children. We always try to help them as much as possible, either with sharing extra food items, clothing items we find or just plowing out their driveways in the winter. It doesn’t take a lot to make someone’s day easier and keep a eye out for those less fortunate than ourselves.