November 11 2014 – Vladimir Putin is one popular guy among the Russians and the Muslims. He’s not a stiff when it comes to the Chinese either. Despite what the leaders in the West say, lot’s of people like not only him but his developing brinkmanship style when it comes to international diplomacy.

The Bible does not provide us with a picture that Russia and China will be joined at the hip in some global conspiracy of any real magnitude. They are trade partners and will certainly play their part in reducing the grip on the Antichrist scepter that is currently held by ‘the sick man of Antichrist’, The Raiser of Taxes (The United States). Though ‘The Raiser’ will not lose power by means of a full scale war the Antichrist scepter is slipping from U.S. hands and is due shortly to be handed over to the yet to be organized confederation called in Scripture, the ‘Ten Kings’., which will be formed, one would guess, in the very near future. Then, of course the ultimate world empire will be based on the Ten Kings which will be placed squarely into the dictatorial hands of the greatest adventurer of all time, the Antichrist himself.

The U.S. of A. is dying a slow death by a combo of economic disaster, cyber piracy, trade imbalances, levying economic pressure, and other factors. The United States is in the process of defaulting as the world leader and is gradually losing its place as the sitting antichrist power. President Obama’s ineptitude has contributed mightily to the fall of The Raiser of Taxes, the rise of the economies of China and Russia have heralded the demise, making way for the coming Ten Kings to become the world group which is prophesied to bring about 70 or 80 of the nations of the world together into one giant corporate structure that will dominate world economy. This international organization of groups of united states will be melded together as one, providing the platform upon which the mercurial rise of the diabolic, but benevolent seeming ‘Man of Sin will set his throne.

In the midst of this intrigue, but separate from it, is the confederacy that lurks which is led by what the Scriptures designate as Gog and Magog, which is almost certainly the ancient name for the peoples of Russia. Right now, while watching for the demise of the USA as world dictator, and the rise of the confederacy that will take its place, we also  watch for the fulfillment of this conspiracy identified in Ezekiel 38 and 39, which implicates Russia by name. The alliance will be a clandestine one which will likely comprise a confederation of nations in and around the former Soviet Union. It is highly likely the confederation will comprise Muslim nations antagonistic to Israel. That would mean the Muslim block whose sights will be set on Israel, as foretold in Ezekiel. In fact, Iran is mentioned as one of the confederates along with Libya and the bevy of Muslim countries of the former USSR.

Putin’s popularity in the region could be very helpful in recruiting these allies for an exercise such as this. Also, it is possible that a group of thugs like ISIS might be happy to join in an invasion of Israel. Afterall the first and foremost for a sneak attack on Israel is for booty’s sake. The horde wants only to take a spoil. ISIS claims to be on a Jihad but their real motives may be for riches and power. They have acted much like the Russians did in the Ukraine, posing as locals, but really as soldiers they are there to bully the locals and take control by force for power’s sake. Putin wants to be a peace-broker in this whole ISIS affair so he can gain them as an ally in his imperialistic plans of greed and plunder. ISIS is set on forming its own nation, but having the backing of a strong leader like Putin may very well assist them in their efforts. Reports say that Russia has refused to take any action on ISIS because of their interests in Syria and their loyalty to Assad, but Putin has shown great skill of playing both sides against the middle. So will this strong leader be the man behind the effort to “take a spoil” from Israel? Given the way prophecy is currently advancing, it is not a stretch of the imagination.

Prior to the winter Olympics at Soci, Vladimir Putin’s approval rating was at an all time low. Given the overall success of the Olympics, coupled with the timing of the intervention in the Crimea, Putin’s ratings have soared to an all time high. Putin’s efforts to flex his muscles at the world powers and seize an opportunity to enrich his borders to the Black Sea as well as increase oil reserves have given the Russian people something to get excited about at a time when their economy has been in decline. These things present new possibilities for Russia which has ambitions beyond the former Soviet Block. Putin is currently enjoying an 83% approval rating, a 29% increase since 2013. The Russian people are realizing renewed optimism about the direction their country is taking and in their economic prospects for the future.

In a recent poll, Putin would be likely to enjoy at least 68% of the vote, if the election were in October of 2014. By all current polling data, Putin’s ratings are continuing in an upward direction, as he stands his ground against the United States and European nations. He is also making a closer alliance with China, which has the majority approval of the Russian people as well. 

All of these factors strengthen Putin’s position in Russia and would seem to make his leadership assured for the near future. A recent report by RT, the Russian Cable News Network, stated that Russians hope to see Putin remain President until some time after 2018. Among Russians his popularity is primarily attributed to his handling of the Ukrainian crisis and how he came to the aid of the people of Crimea. In his homeland he is a hero in this conflict that has given Russians something to feel proud about.

Reporters from the Far East have given Putin an honorary title of “Hero of Russia” for his overwhelming popularity with the Russian people. I would suspect that this move was in the interest of propaganda and an effort to manipulate Russia into closer alliance with China and others in the Far East, who may need their oil. In recent months China has made long term deals to buy much needed oil and natural gas, so it is in their interest to make nice with Russia. Also, they have a common goal of elevating their places of power on the global stage at the expense of the United States, thereby dwarfing our position of power. To many, this could be disconcerting, even troubling. To those who know God’s prophetic word, it is interesting only in that it causes one to ponder how this will play out as to how it will conform to God’s prophecy in Ezekiel 38-39.

Up to now, Russia has been thought to be an ally of Israel, though they never were during any of the multiple wars since Israel became a nation in 1948. They have refused to be involved in any of the peace negotiations with Israel and the Palestinians. Just recently, Putin has vowed to get involved in the negotiations and has boldly voiced support of the Palestinian cause. Why is that? Other than it is just more of the duplicitous international diplomacy of ‘we hate Jews and Israel’. We know Russia has close ties with Iran, Israel’s avowed enemy. Now this new interest in promoting Palestinian interests?

Putin stole the Jewish NFL football team owner Bob Kraft’s Super Bowl ring right before the eyes of the World. Was that just a little sign of Putin’s true intent to steal from the Jews? More so, Putin has declared his ambition to be a player in the region, and this must signal that there is something he is after. Vladimir Putin has not made his bones in politics by being diplomatic. He is a master at exploiting opponents weaknesses and doing away with them. He has never been one to promote peace on the globe. He is a soldier that has risen up through the ranks of the KGB to a pre-eminent position in Russia.His father was head of the pogrom that oversaw the extermination of countless Jews in Siberia in his day. He surely learned from his father.

His vision and desire, which is shared by his people is to be the biggest global power on the World stage. He is greedy for filthy lucre, as the Word of God puts it. God’s word states that his plan will not succeed:

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:

And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,

To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?

And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:

 And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.” Ezekiel 38:10-16

Only time will tell who this Gog – Magog leader is, but Vladimir Putin sure is leading in the polls if you ask me.