Pride and Power

From the hard copy print of WST, August 22/23, 2009:

"Russia is obsessed with being recognized as a "Great Power." She has felt as one since the 17th century, after having conquered Siberia, but especially since her victory in World War II over Germany and the success in sending the first human into space."

But, Russia is in trouble:

"They have a shrinking population base, they have a withering economy, they have a banking sector that is not likely to be able to withstand the next 15 years." (This from our Vice President Joe Biden).

A cornered bear is a dangerous bear.

Ezekiel 38 and 39 prophecies about a northern land, Magog, who comes south into the pleasant land (Israel) in the last days:

"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 38:16).

And Gog and Magog show up again at the end of the Millennium where they for the last time encompass the beloved city of Jerusalem (Revelation 20:8).

Whether this is modern Russia or another group of endtime alliances it is interesting to see how these things might come to pass and the nations involved.