Prophecy About Russia
by Alan Odle
On Sunday, February 9, 2014 I was in my church praying with others before the church service started. I was simply worshipping God, loving Jesus, and praying for others when I unexpectedly saw a vision of a giant black bear standing in front of me. I knew it was not merely a picture because it was moving, fierce and very aggressive. I was very close to the bear and could see its teeth as it was growling. It was ready to attack. I prayed about what I saw and asked my Christian brother to pray about it as well. When I told him about the vision he mentioned that this could be about Russia. Throughout modern history Russia has often been referred to as the Russian Bear. As I prayed more about it I also thought the vision could be about Russia.
The interpretation confirmation began to unfold nine days later on February 18, 2014 as Russia responded to the Ukrainian uprising. The initial uprising began on February 18th when more than 20,000 protesters in Kiev advanced on Ukraine’s parliament. They were protesting to restore the Constitution of Ukraine to its 2004 form which had been repealed by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine shortly after Viktor Yanukovych was elected president in 2010. According to many reports at least 82 people were killed over the following few days, including 13 policemen; and more than 1,100 people were injured.
On February 27 a group of sixty Russian-speaking gunmen seized the Crimean parliament building and Council of Ministers building. (Crimea is a region of the country of Ukraine) Since then, Russia has deployed thousands of soldiers, surrounded Crimean military bases and blocked ships from leaving the Crimean port and entering the Black Sea. Russian President Putin has declared by his actions that he will not give up control of the Crimean region which he gained through invasion and occupation. As of March 8 it is reported that 20,000 to 30,000 Russian troops are now deployed in Crimea.
I believe and have become convinced that the vision God gave me was a warning. It was not only warning about what has happened so far, but also a warning for the future. This situation MIGHT calm down a little, but I believe God was saying that the Russian Bear is just now beginning its aggression. The escalation and repercussions of this will grow. Why would Russia put itself in such a crippling position? Russia’s currency is down 10% in the last 3 months. The Russian economy has many serious struggles as it ranks is behind Brazil and barely higher than Italy. Unless Russia completely backs up from their invasion and occupation we have a serious reality. The startling, sober reality that most Americans will miss is that President Putin knew this move would isolate Russia. They could quickly lose relationships with the G8, EU, UN and the US. Many economic deals and business investments will be lost. Russia’s stock market lost 7% this week alone and has startled many future investors. I believe that Putin purposely put Russia, the Great Bear, in a trapped corner. This will simply be an excuse for him to activate his military to intimidate for influence and invade others. Russia's downward spiral will make it easy to blame the West. This will be an excuse for a major war.
The Bible warns in Ezekiel 38 and 39 that the Magog region of the world will play a major role in the end times war. Russia is a large part of historic Magog. What we are seeing is the beginning of Russia’s rise into the Magog role as we draw closer to the end of the world and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
God is searching the Earth and testing hearts. Who will turn to God with all their heart, love His word, follow Jesus and walk close to Him? Those that push God aside and refuse to turn to Him with a sincere heart will not see and understand. These people will be spiritually blind in the middle of tribulations and troubles.
Jesus gave us many warnings.
"But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars"...Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven... And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth DISTRESS of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:9-28).
No one can live like the world and truly claim Jesus too.
The Most Important Decision
For those who have never sincerely turned to Jesus you must understand and receive these basic things. Biblical salvation is not something that happens in the head alone, but in the heart. A person with true humility is sorry for their sins and turns from them. We must ask God to forgive us based on sincere, heart faith in Jesus Christ (See Romans 10:9-10). It is faith that He died on the cross and rose again for us. If you are truly right with God your life will be changed (See II Corinthians 5:17).
For those who name the name of Jesus and say you are saved and belong to Him, but your heart, your thoughts, and your life does not truly reflect what you claim, you are only fooling yourself. The Bible says there will be people who call Jesus Christ their Lord, but do not make it to heaven. ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But He answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you’ (Mathew 25:11-12). True salvation is a new life, God’s way, with God on the throne of your heart, thoughts and life. You are valuable. Jesus Christ gave everything so you could be with Him in eternity. Now is the time to settle this. This is my hope and prayer for you.
Alan Odle
