Signs of the Times

The prophecy of Daniel states that at the time of the end the king of the North shall come like a whirlwind, with chariots and with horsemen and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries and shall pass over. The area is identified as we read further that “he shall enter also into the glorious land and many coun­tries shall be overthrown”. The fulfill­ment will require Russia to attack Israel and the surrounding countries on both land and sea, her forces of war are dis­tinguished by chariots (or artillery,) and many ships. In the study of this prophecy most of the consideration has been given to the attack on Israel by land armies, without much significance being attached to the importance of ships.

A study of the map of the Middle East areas with the idea of invasion from the sea indicates that naval approach and attack could be made only through the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. The importance of the control of these two bodies of water has been recognized by military strategists and leaders for many centuries. The Emperor Napoleon is re­ported to have stated, “If you have a fleet in the Red Sea and at the mouth of the Nile you control Europe”. An outstand­ing example of the recognized strategic value of the Mediterranean took place in World War II. Toward the end of the war when the Allied Forces had reached the strength where they felt ready to invade Europe, the military leaders felt it necessary first to secure control of the African shore of the Mediterranean be­fore launching D-Day. The control of this sea is just as important now, if not more so, than at any time in the past. The realization of this by the major na­tions of the world has brought about fe­verish activity in recent years, particularly by the United States and Russia. A geo­graphical study of the Mediterranean re­veals its strategic importance. It is unique in being the largest enclosed sea in the world and is connected to open ocean only by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar. On the east it is connected to the Black Sea through the Darndanelles and the Bosporus. Its shorelines touch the conti­nents of Europe, Asia and Africa. The maritime commerce of the nations of southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa is conducted through the Mediterranean. In addition to the natural features it is connected with the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean by means of the Suez Canal. From all points of compari­son it is the most important body of water in the world. Because of its loca­tion and importance, control of the Medi­terranean has been and still is the desire and envy of all maritime nations. At the time of the glory of the Roman Empire it was called “Mare Nostrum” or “Our Sea”, and was completely under the Ro­man power. With changes in world em­pires, England became the master of this sea. After World War II the United States moved her powerful sixth fleet into the Mediterranean and pretty well con­trolled the area. With the build up of Russian naval power and the seizure of the Suez Canal by Egypt, the situation is changing. Until about five years ago a ship flying a Soviet flag was hardly known in these waters. Since that time there has been a continuous and ever increasing number of Russian ships in the sea. For years the U.S. has pointed out the danger of this Soviet activity but with very little response from other nations. Now the Europeans are beginning to realize this threat in their own back yard.

It has been reported from reliable sources that Russia has a flotilla of war­ships now stationed at Alexandria near the Suez Canal. Recently a Red naval squadron visited Algeria which is near the Strait of Gibraltar. This squadron consisted of destroyers, submarines and auxiliary vessels. There is present some­where in the Mediterranean at least one Soviet cruiser with missiles, together with many submarines and surface ships. She is building new vessels at a feverish rate and authoritative sources estimate that Soviet naval power in the Mediterranian has tripled in the past three years.

At the present time the powerful U.S. Sixth Fleet still has overwhelming su­periority but with Russia’s continued building program this numerical edge is diminishing. Experts state that if this persists over a period it could lead to a chain of Soviet sea and air bases along the southern shores of the Mediterranean. Russia has begun to build its first aircraft carrier. She has a new destroyer armed with surface missles, is expanding her already extensive submarine fleet and is constructing cargo and troop transports.

An interesting analysis of what this means is given by “Jane’s Fighting Ships”, an authoritative reference work on navies of the world. According to this authority Russia realizes the long-range capabilities of the aircraft carrier and also is aiming for control of the Indian Ocean, thus providing a link between her navies, now widely scattered. Control of the In­dian Ocean, between Africa and Austra­lia has long been held by Western pow­ers. In 1966 a 50-year agreement was made between the United States and Brit­ain whereby the U.S. will play a larger role in this region from which Britain is determined to withdraw. In this vast area Britain kept the peace for more than a century. Reference to a world atlas shows the vastness of the Indian Ocean which covers not only the southern approaches to the Red Sea and the fabulously rich oil regions of the Middle East, but also East Africa, India, Southeast Asia and as far south as Australia. If the United States does not fill the vacuum resulting from the withdrawal of England, it is the belief of military men that Russia and Red China will be tempted to do so. Rus­sia is very anxious to obtain a foothold in areas controlling the Red Sea.

The United States is facing a dilemma. If she takes over the defense of the In­dian Ocean her naval strength will be spread much thinner throughout the world, thereby becoming more susceptible to Russian over-all gain. On the other hand if she does not move in, the Soviets will, creating an actual danger to the United States’ naval supremacy rather than just a threatened one.

A hundred years ago Dr. John Thomas foresaw the fulfillment of Daniel’s proph­ecy and we are witnessing the actual prep­aration for it today. In his “Exposition of Daniel” he wrote, “All the western Euro­pean world prophesies the impossibility of the King of the North doing anything with his ships against the combined fleets of the Little Horn’s allies! But to ‘over­whelm and pass over’ is to prevail. He has only to bide his time, and to look out for eventualities. The elements have in­terposed for Russia in great extremity; and we know it is written, ‘Thou break­est the ships of Tarshish with an east wind’.”

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper Isaiah 54:17. Although this prophecy from the Word of God applies to the final victory of Christ and His saints over the nations who come against Jerusalem, the recent incredible defeat of Israel s enemies seems almost to be an omen of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purpose.

Considering the relative size and strength of Israel and the Arabs the whole world has looked on in amaze men at the quick and decisive victory of this tiny state over such superior numbers A numerical comparison of the op posing nations gives a better understanding of Israel’s conquest.

Combined Egypt Jordan

	Israel	Combined Egypt, Jordan and Syria
Population	2.7 million	37.5 million
Troops under arms	275,000	480,000
Tanks	1,200	1,900
Warplanes	350	600

In addition to military superiority the Arabs had other conditions in their favor Their geographic position was of great strategic importance, first, it included a large portion of the oil reserves of the world, and second, it encompassed and controlled the Suez Canal The clos­ing of the Gulf of Aqaba by Nasser and a military alliance with Jordan’s King Hussein led the Arabs and their Soviet allies to the belief that they could crush Israel Leaders in other countries stated, Nasser gambled again and apparently will win, which places him in a strong position for a deal with the United States for financial aid and shipment of free wheat to the starving Egyptians”

Considering all the factors in favor of the Arabs and the vulnerable position of Israel practically all the nations of the world could see nothing but disaster for Israel unless they received help from the United States But not so the nation of Israel While others were worried and troubled over the situation, Israel pre­pared for all out war with confidence in victory.  They fully neglected that in case of war they would be fighting for their national survival.

Then suddenly on June 5 the long summering war broke out in earnest Three days of blitzkreig attack was all that Israel required to deliver a death blow to the Egyptian armies in the Sinai Desert. After two more days Israel’s armies had recaptured old Jerusalem and chased the Jordanian armies back to the River Jordan. During the same period they had driven the Syrian armies to rout. After five days Israel stood with com­plete and decisive victories on the three fronts of Egypt, Jordan and Syria. The blockade of the Gulf of Aqaba, the im­mediate issue that brought on the war, was broken. The three Arab countries saw the futility of further combat and each in turn accepted cease fire arrange­ments through the United Nations. So to the amazement and almost disbelief of the whole world, Israel, outmanned and outgunned, completely defeated the armies of the combined Arab forces.

The territorial and other gains of Israel are stupendous. They are now in control of four times as much territory as before the war. The new territories are of vital importance to the survival of Israel and include, the City of Old Jerusalem. the Gaza Strip, the east bank of the Suez Canal, and the Gulf of Aqaba. In addition to these immediately adjacent areas Israel now controls the strategic heights of Southwest Syria above the Sea of Galilee, the territory of Jor­dan west of the River Jordan and all of the Sinai Peninsula.

The war booty of Israel is enormous consisting of thousands of trucks and other vehicles, hundreds of field guns and tons of ammunition. Also supplies and food left by seven Egyptian divisions who fled in haste. Israel emerges as the best equipped and best armed country in the Mideast.

Although the guns are quiet and actual warfare has ceased the situation is far from peaceful and it is very doubtful if agreeable settlements can be worked out. The Arabs, influenced by Russia, and the nation of Israel are diametrically op­posed in their demands for a final treaty. The Arabs and Russians are launching a world – wide conspiracy through the United Nations to force Israel to give up all captured territory. Israel is demand­ing recognition as a permanent state, se­curity against Arab raids and control of all captured territory. Realizing that peace negotiations may require considerable time Israel has made it clear that she can wait, holding on to occupied territory until the Arabs come to terms.

Actually the outlook for permanent peace is bleak. Russia, the real loser in the war, had staked their hopes on an Arab victory and thus dominance of the entire area. For more than ten years Soviet Russia has poured billions of dollars worth of war material into Arab countries hostile to Israel. When the test came a crushing blow was dealt to Russian prestige among Arab countries. Russia realized she had miscalculated the balance of power between the Arabs and Israel and had backed extremely unstable Arab regimes. Unwilling to come to the aid of their losing allies, Russia appealed to the United Nations for a cause fire order.

Even though for the moment Russia is reduced in stature in the Mideast, we know that she will rise again to evenmant in her determination to hold her gained the support of France and many smaller nations and is confident that her demands for Israel’s withdrawal from Arab territory will be met. Israel re­mains deaf to such demands and is ada­greater strength. At the U.N. she has gains Such a stalemate in the Mideast can only widen the rift between the Soviets and the United States-Great Britain combine. Russia will come to the realization that her only hope is in the overthrow of Israel.

In these stirring times we are privileged to have the “sure word of prophecy.” The ancient names given in Ezekiel point definitely to the Russian power. “Thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee . . . against my people Israel. And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that my fury shall come up in my face.” At the appointed time the present crisis will develop into the final conflict between the nations and Christ and His saints. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh”

Starvation Looms On the World Horizon. This was the title of a recent article written by a well known writer in Washington, D C concerning the food production of the world Scientists, economists and political leaders through out the world are deeply concerned with this problem Those who have made studies of the situation have come to the realization that unless food production is increased to keep pace with the population explosion, whole continents face turmoil In a speech last year President Johnson stated, I propose that the United States lead the world in a war against Hunger. Solutions are being sought by many organizations such as the United Nations food and Agriculture Organizations, the Vatican and various groups all over the world.

What brings about the concern and study of world food conditions at this time? Most experts agrees that the problems stem from two main sources, the growth of the population throughout the world without a corresponding increase in production, and the uneven distribution of total production among the various nations Most of the difficulties are due to an uneven distribution of almost everything on earth We find this in relation to population, fertility of soil, food production and general wealth.

At the present time there are 128 different sovereign nations on earth within which 3 4 billion human beings live This is the beginning of our trouble Among these 128 nations over half of the total population live in only five countries, United States, Soviet Union, China, India and Pakistan This in itself would not be so serious if it were not for the fact that of the five nations which include about two billion inhabitants, only the United States with a population of approximately 200 million produces food in excess of its own use.

The uneven distribution as indicated in the five major nations is typical of the entire world In making comparisons the general trend is to divide the world into two zones, as the haves” and the ‘ have nots’ , the theory being that the haves” must come to the aid of the have nots” In actual fact there is no surplus great enough to come to the aid of all those in need.

In all the proposed solutions no men­tion is made of the third zone, the Com­munist-ruled part of the world. This is in spite of the fact that it contains one-third of the world’s population and in­cludes some of the most fertile land. There was a time when Eastern Europe and Russia were very rich granaries and exported much food to other countries. This area was known as the “bread bas­ket” of Europe. Under the Communist rule the Soviet Union and Red China have become the biggest buyers of West­ern grain. Russia last year claimed a bumper crop of grain but still not suffi­cient for their needs. Although efforts have been made to cultivate virgin lands, the per capita production in Russia is the lowest in the world. Food produc­tion in Red China, already inadequate, has been further decreased by the revo­lution and war disturbances. In both Rus­sia and China the farm populations are declining as people leave the farms for other activities. What is the answer re­garding the Communist nations? One expert writes, “So long as Marxism is applied to farms, one-third of the world must be left outside the global food problem”.

The realization has now come to the leaders of all nations that the world faces an acute food shortage that could lead to the starvation of millions in some areas. Is there a solution to this critical situation? Is it within human wisdom to solve the problem? We live in an age of enlightenment, with great achievements in the realm of science, medicine and so forth for the betterment of mankind. But with it all the world in general is in a sorry state with two-thirds of its popu­lation knowing nothing but hunger.

We believe there is a solution but not through human effort. The Scriptures tell us that God did not create the earth in vain. “I have made the earth, and cre­ated man upon it. For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God him­self that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else”. (Isaiah 45:12, 18) We have the assur­ance in God’s Word that there will be a time when the condition of starvation and famine will be replaced with an abundance of food. “The desert shall rejoice and bloom as the rose.” (Isaiah 35:1) “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed.” (Amos 9:13) “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree and none shall make them afraid” (Micah 4:4)

But first man must come to a realiza­tion of what God requires of him. The great Creator tells us “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” (Isaiah 55:8,9). The prophet Micah writes, “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” In the words of the Psalmist, “When I consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man that thou visited him?”

The summary of the whole matter of God’s creation is contained in Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” The crea­tion of the earth, its division into continents, and its peopling with many na­tions is in preparation of the ultimate glory of God. During all the ages since creation God has selected among the nations a people of His own. If they are His true people they are wise in the wis­dom of God and revere His words at all times. While conditions of the nations may cause other men’s hearts to fail, the true believers look forward with courage and rejoicing as they perceive the ap­proach of the return of Christ, the Son of God. “In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.”

Almost every day news in the head­lines makes some reference either to Rus­sia or Israel. To students of Bible pro­phecy, of all the news reported concern­ing the entire world, the greatest interest is focused on these two areas. The signs concerning the return of Christ are re­lated to events which will originate in Russia and Israel. The prophecy of Eze­kiel draws a very graphic picture of a time when Russia will invade and over­run Israel, which will lead to the inter­vention by Christ and the final destruc­tion of Russia. The prophecy also speaks of certain conditions which must prevail before these events take place. Of Rus­sia it is stated, “Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee”. Israel in the day of the predicted con­flict is described as “the land that is . . . gathered out of many people . . . which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them”.

Many Changes in 50 Years

In our times the working out of these prophecies can easily be discerned. It was not always so: it was just fifty years ago that changes and upheavals commenced in both Russia and Israel. In March 1917 the Russian Revolution started, a revolu­tion that would change. not only Russia, but was to upset the whole world. In November 1917 the British government issued the famous Balfour Declaration, guaranteeing a British protectorate for the Jews. In December 1917 General Allen-by Liberated Jerusalem from the Turks.

Although the prophecy of the conflict between Russia and Israel was made over 2500 years ago, there was no indication of the necessary developments until the historical events of 1917. While the Scriptures outline the history of Israel from the time of Abraham, there is no reference to Russia. History shows that Russia did not exist in Biblical times. The prophecy foretells the invasion of Israel by Gog, the leader of Rosh, Me­sech and Tubal, names which can be identified with the present nation of Russia.

It is interesting to follow through very briefly the history of Russia. During the pre-Christian era the vast territory which became Russia was sparsely inhabited by groups of nomadic, barbarian tribes. While these grew in number there was no consolidation of a unified govern­ment. Most were Slaves, and according to Russian tradition, the dissension and feuds among them became so violent they voluntarily called upon a foreign prince to unite them in a strong state. This was accomplished in the year 862 when the name of Russia was adopted. This date is considered to be the begin­ning of the Russian Empire.. Hence there was a period of nearly 1500 years from the time of the prophecy concerning Rus­sia until there was a consolidated nation by that name.

The Russian Empire grew and thrived under many dynasties. It reached its peak as an empire under Peter I, the Czar or Emperor of all Russia. Following his death the title of Czar continued but the royal family weakened. The czar was forced to abdicate during the 1917 Bol­shevik Revolution and was later exe­cuted. The revolution brought about the end of Czarist Russia and the beginning of the Union of Soviet Socialist Repub­lics, which is also known as Soviet Rus­sia or Communist Russia.

What was the cause of the movement that brought on the Russian Revolution? It started principally with discontent among the populace regarding the army’s inefficiency during World War I. Fif­teen million men had been mobilized, most of them conscripted peasants. Dur­ing the first two years of war the Rus­sians suffered many defeats with heavy casualties which included 2 million kil­led, 4 million wounded and 2 million captured. The government was accused of inadequate supplies and care of their troops. A general mutiny of troops oc­curred which led to riots and strikes in the capital of St. Petersburg. These troubles led to the general revolution which ended the regime of the Czarists and set in power the Bolshevik Com­munists.

Russia now a World Leader

Whatever the cause of the revolution, the effect is more important as related to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Under the Communist’ government, Rus­sia has built up their industry, military power and position in the world. In in­dustrial power their rank has increased from fifth to second place, in military power they are second where they ranked sixth under the Czarist government. Dur­ing the Communist regime Russia has expanded its control over many nations in Europe and Asia.

During the period in which these world shaking changes were taking place in Russia, even more outstanding events were happening in the land of Israel. Ever since the massacre of the Jews, to­gether with the destruction of their temple in the year 70 A.D., the Israelites have had no national homeland. Follow­ing that time and for a period of nearly two thousand years the Jews had been scattered throughout the world. The land which God promised them as an everlasting possession had been desolate and waste. These punishments had been prophesied by Moses as he brought them near to the borders of the promised land. He also foretold that All nations shall say, wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt.” Deut. 29:24-25.

Jews to Return to Israel

However, in addition to the prophecies of dispersion and destruction, the Jews were given numerous prophecies which indicated that they would be regathered and dwell in peace in their own land; that in the appointed time their kingdom would be re-established with Christ as their king. The outline of prophetical events required first a return of sufficient Jews to cultivate and develop the land. In our time these events are coming to pass. At the time of the Balfour Decla­ration in 1917 the land was a desolate wilderness occupied mostly by Arabs, with a very small number of Jews. The events that have taken place in Israel during the fifty years since that time would have been impossible without the intervention of God. At the present time there are about 21/₂ million Jews in Is­rael. The modern cities and the develop­ment of agriculture constitute the mar­vel of our time.

In the light of Bible prophecy recent events in both Russia and Israel seem significant. It is remarkable that the tremendous changes in both nations com­menced in 1917, fifty years ago. We know God’s sure word of prophecy will be fulfilled but we are not told how much more time is required before the consummation. However, it is most in­teresting that under the Mosaic Law the fiftieth year was the year of jubilee when the Israelites were to “proclaim liberty throughout all the land”. Is it pos­sible that this 50th year of the restoration of Israel could lead to another year of jubilee?

As the world starts on a new year the leaders and thinking people of all na­tions are considering the same question what will the year 1967 bring forth? While their anxiety covers the political and economic phases of their particular nation, the principal consideration in most cases is the outlook for peace or war. A recent stigmatization of the present situ­ation stated that at the start of the year the world is more peaceful than at any time in 35 years. It was pointed out that except for the war which continues in Vietnam the rest of the world is relative­ly calm.

Looking at the world-wide situation from a prophetic viewpoint rather than a national political outlook, we find many actual and threatened trouble spots that can upset this relative calm. The interesting point is that most of the trouble spots center around or are re­lated to the nation of Israel. Three out­standing happenings in this respect are: (1) mounting tension between Israel and the Arab nations in the Middle East (2) Russian build up of warships and mis­siles in the Mediterranean (3) the major battle for the control of Mideastern oil.

No Unity Among Arabs

In the Mideast tension so far the con­flicts have been limited to border skir­mishes between Israel and their neigh­bors. While these continue the danger of big war in the Middle East exists. A crisis was set in motion last November when Israel in reprisal for raids by Arab terrorists sent military forces into Jordan Since that time there have been several exchanges of gunfire across the borders of Israel and Syria. Fierce enmity be­tween Israel and the Arab countries con­tinues to keep tensions high. The one thing that has prevented a concerted at­tack against Israel is lack of unity among Arab leaders. Each of these leaders has powers and privileges in his own country that he does not wish to share or relin­quish. As long as the Arabs remain dis­united their military power remains rela­tively weak.

There is a nation-wide agitation in the nation of Jordan which may lead to changes in Arabian politics. The raid by Israeli troops last November in which they destroyed a Jordanian village resulted in strong agitation against King Hussein of Jordan Rioting Arabs in Jordan demanded that Hussein be dethroned for his failure to take military action against Israel Egypt and Syria joined in the re quest for Hussein’s overthrow The out come will base a vital effect on the political and military situation affecting Middle Eastern countries Hussein has always been considered pro western and has not been one of the most active of the anti Israel Arabs Jordan under Hussein has been considered the only country preventing the Soviet Union from having a zone of political influence that would stretch from Iraq to Syria and down into Egypt The balance of power in the Arab nations of the highly explosive Middle East may rest on the fate of King Hussein

Strong Russian Navy

While this anxiety and agitation is going on in the Middle East, Russia is engaging in activities in that part of the world that is causing concern among Western nations Where five years ago the Soviet flag was almost unknown in the Mediterranean Sea, the Russians has e built up a formidable naval force Included in their flotilla are cruisers, destroyers and submarines, consisting of both conventional and guided missile ships in all categories Having no land bases in the Mediterranean, their fleet is partially supplied by floating bases”, oil tankers and cargo ships anchored in international waters Recently refueling and refitting calls has e been made at Egyptian ports The Russians have sent a number of warships to Port Said, the Mediterranean terminus of the Suez Canal.

In addition to nasal forces in the Mediterranean the Russian military strength is growing in the adjacent Middle East nations Egypt has received much military equipment from Russia including destroyers, submarines jet bombers and fighter planes. The Russian influence is also felt in the armed forces of Syria, Iraq Algeria and Cypress due to their military assistance

Battle Over Oil

While tensions continue in the Middle East there is a major battle shaping up in the same location over billions of dollars of revenue from the oil of that area The battle is between Syria, Iraq and Iran on the one side opposed to Western oil companies producing the oil The mid die East produces one third of the oil for the world and still holds more than two thirds of its proven oil reserves The Middle East governments are requesting higher income and the Western com­panies are resisting the increase.

The controversy commenced by the de­mands of Syria, a country which pro­duces very little oil of its own, but re­ceives royalties from pipelines that carry oil from Iraq and Saudi Arabia to Medi­terranean refineries. Last December the Syrian government seized control of pipelines from Iraq and threatened to block use of these lines until the West­ern companies agreed to double their payments.

Middle Eastern political maneuvers are behind most of the disagreements, and the Western oil interests are caught in between. Russia is reported to be strongly supporting the Syrian action against the oil companies. The basic reason for Russia’s interest in the matter is need for more oil in that area as she looks for­ward to a larger military fleet. The large refineries located in Syria on the Medi­terranean would be essential to Russia if they made any military move towards Is­rael. With Syria a strong ally in control of the oil pipelines, Russia would be in a powerful position to take over their fuel requirements.

World Unrest

Even though the world in general seems peaceful as the new year commences American troops continue to be stationed in many parts of the world, and we look forward to developments that can bring many changes. Most of these relate to the aspirations of the So­viet Union. If King Hussein is dethroned the chances are his successor will be more anti-Israel. This would improve the unity of the Arab kingdom whose sympathies are definitely toward Russia. Russia will undoubtedly increase her naval power in the Mediterranean until she can chal­lenge the U.S. fleet. Together with as­sured oil supplies this will place her in a better position to move against Israel.

As we watch these developments with keen interest we are reminded of the prophecy in God’s Holy Word which He will surely bring to pass: “When Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that my fury shall come up in my face . . . Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort ,and to the beasts of the field to he devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God. And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the Lord. So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.” Ezekiel 38 and 39.

One thing that is apparent in our era is the certainty that we are living in a changing world. These changes are so widespread throughout the earth that there is not a major nation which is not included. Wherever we look we find tremendous upheavals in the long-standing procedures of all nations.

In Europe we find Britain, West Ger­many and France coming to a realization of the situation with which they are faced. For generations these three nations were leading world powers. Not one of them now can be sure of even a third-class rat­ing. It is generally agreed at the pre­sent time that these three countries toge­ther would be no match for Russia.

Since World War II these nations through the solidarity of NATO had spe­cial ties with the United States which gave them assurance of assistance. But there is growing evidence that the ar­rangement is breaking up. The preserva­tion of NATO is not a simple operation. It will require a unity among nations that does not exist. Some of the political complications are:

A united Germany is not wanted by the other NATO nations.
England, Holland and Belgium do not want Europe run by either France or Germany.
Italians are not willing to accept any combination of countries which does not include Italy.

It is felt by many that only a threat of nuclear war can consolidate the NATO nations and that unless this threat devel­ops soon to challenge the Alliance, it is on the road to dissolution.

All nations are concerned over the question, On what will Continental Eur­ope depend for defense if the United States withdraws? In the opinion of mili­tary leaders that defense would be supplanted by their ability to co-operate with the Soviet Union. This would almost cer­tainly result in Russia wielding its sway over most of Continental Europe.

Political and Military Developments

The changes in Western Europe are taking place in political as well as military developments. Great Britain is involved in economic troubles. It is reported that she is again trying to enter into the Euro­pean Common Market. When last she applied, certain exceptions were recom­mended that were to be made for Britain, which were not acceptable to De Gaulle. This time Britain’s application may be unconditional. France decided some time ago to withdraw from NATO and U. S. support, and seeks to be the leader of Europe through help from Russia and Red China. These ideas are not proving successful for France and she is still in difficulties. In West Germany a crisis has broken up Chancellor Erhard’s Coali­tion Cabinet and his own party has asked that he be replaced. The crisis developed over the issue as to how payment could be made for welfare benefits, previously approved. So we see that many changes are taking place in Western Europe, not of their own choosing and in most cases not beneficial to their welfare.

Soviet Russia is experiencing changes somewhat different than those encoun­tered in other European nations. Since the development of the Soviet Union as the recognized leader of the Communistic block of nations, their main goal has been the coercion of other countries by the threat of all-out war. As the Soviets increased their own facilities for mass destruction by use of nuclear weapons the threat of all-out war increased. Their only deterrent for using these weapons against other nations was the fact that the United States outranked them both in number and superiority of nuclear power. Even so, Russia opposed the U. S. and the European nations at every move. Although there were no actual threats of attack there was always the feeling and fear that Russia had the potential to attack. This has caused a feeling of anxiety and uncertainty in United Nations as­semblies and also in the individual plans and goals of individual nations.

U. S. Opposed to Russia

Since the Communists seized power in Russia in 1917, the interests of the United States have been diametrically op­posed to those of Russia. Even though during a period in World War II they were allies in the overthrow of Nazi Ger­many, the U. S. has always opposed Rus­sia’s proclamation of world revolution. Since 1945 the United States has spear­headed the efforts of all nations which resisted the Communist drive for power. As Russia and the United States emerged after the war as the two great world-wide powers, it was only natural that Russia  would direct most of its propaganda and saber-rattling against the U. S.

There has been a notable change in this attitude. There appears to be a toning down of the Russian attacks against the United States. While it is not a friendly attitude the animosity is less violent. There are reports that diplomats on both sides are seeking arrangements whereby both sides might co-operate on any issue of the two countries which are relatively in the same interest.

Several factors have in Russia in their willingness to agree in certain areas. The principal reason is the rift between the Soviet and Communist China. This conflict centers around the national interest of the two countries, as to which can capture the leadership of the Communist movement. It stems from the Russian acquisition of certain Chinese territory in the Far East and Central Asia. These differences did not disturb Russia for many years but now there is another great change. China has the A-missile. The Chinese missile is rather insignificant as compared to those of the United States and Russia. It was reported that Red China’s A-bomb, carried by missiles, was tested at a 400-mile range. While a bomb of this capability could not reach far on a global comparison, it is within reach of some heavily industrialized cities in Soviet Siberia and Central Asia. Russia is the nation which will be most endangered by future nuclear development by China. The Chinese army is the lar­gest in the world and with the addition of nuclear weapons it becomes a power that can threaten Russia as well as the other nations of Asia. With a potential threat so close to home, Russia is desir­ous of working out some co-operation with the United States.

Russia Embarrassed

There is one great stumbling block to U. S. Soviet co-operation, the war in Vietnam. Russia is placed in an embarrassing position in regard to the activities in Vietnam. As the leading nation in the Communist world she has felt obligated to give military assistance to North Viet­nam. Russian aid has been limited. She is convinced that the United States is de­termined to prevent a Communist victory in Vietnam and is most concerned lest the war might spread and develop into a world conflagration.

As we see the fear and uncertainty throughout the world we are mindful of the words of Jesus, “Upon the earth dis­tress of nations . . . men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” We are told that “God rules in the king­doms of men” and we have faith that His plan will be carried out. We realize how futile are man’s efforts to live in peace and how much we need Christ, the “Prince of Peace,” who will usher in His righteous rule.