WARS AND BIBLICAL PROPHECY PART 2 - UKRAINE/RUSSIAN WAR

    Both wars and rumours of wars are more intense, and woven intricately into the global situation. In part 1, I expand on wars and rumours of war being a model for a type of warfare using Matthew 24:6. Rumours are being used to strategise before and during a war and to justify warfare. It does not take a war expert to understand that Russia can take Kiev in a matter of hours. However there seems to be a very lengthy step-by-step plan being used. After all President Putin has had years to think on this situation. I think by using the Biblical context I answer the question of, Why drag it on?

The Ukraine-Russia war is a clear example of rumours before and during a war. It proves that rumours can be a strategy of warfare under the sub-category of psychological warfare. Wars vary in situations and in size or type of weapons used. The Uppsala Conflict Data Program definition of a war is, a state-based conflict or dyad which reaches at least 1000 battle-related deaths in a specific calendar year. 

Despite President Putin's claims of it being a peacekeeping mission, the conflict in Ukraine is definitely a war. It has an impact of a war and I dare say, that of a world war. It has potential to become a nuclear war. The war demonstrates the fulfilment of prophesy or the truth of prophesy as follows:

1. Rosh becomes a world power involved in warfare
2. As an example of the connection between wars and rumours of war
3. It furthers the alliances for what is referred to as the Pre-Tribulation War found in Ezekiel 38 

ROSH AS A WORLD POWER

Russia has long been a leader in global issues but overshadowed to a large extent by America. Rosh is the Biblical name for Russia. As a nation it is referenced in Ezekiel 38 and 39, and Isaiah 66:19. Rosh is a world power according to the verse: 

and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.'Ezekiel 38:3 

It is quite curious that President Putin was known as 'Gog' in the past. Perhaps this was a rumour? Verse 2 refers to him as the chief prince. He is now the prince of Russia having been in position of leadership for twenty years. Russia has a growing influence in the Middle East. In Syria, Russians  are feared. It may be possible that he becomes the chief or leader of parts of Asia Minor (Meshech) or in alliance with Turkey (Tubal).

The fear of war and the fear of nuclear war has taken its toll as many believe that the Pre-Tribulation War described in Ezekiel 38 and 39, will be a nuclear war. Europe had been through two world wars and formed the European Union to keep them from a third. This is partly due to nuclear weapons development. 

The United Nations appears to be as helpless as NATO in the Ukraine-Russia situation. America is engaged in tactical nuclear exercises at Steadfast Noon. China and North Korea have intensified their weapons testing as well. At this point I want to suggest that there will be a war in different parts of the world and all related to establishing a new order. When you read new order you might think it is a conspiracy. By the way, a world leader did say this. Can you guess which one? President Putin should be your best answer.

The threat of Russia over the European nations has constantly played on the minds of the people from generation to generation. In this instance Russia is trying to deflect the threat to Ukraine. To be accepted not just as a world power but a super power, he has to build trust. He stated:

Ukraine wants to cause a nuclear incident and then put the responsibility on Russia in order to escalate the fighting.

 

Rumours are feeding the fear of escalation. The movement of nuclear capable missiles to different parts of Europe fuels the rumours and thoughts along these lines. To be free of the oppressive atmosphere created, the people in various European nations are saying they do not want the war and are willing to give into Russian demands. 

Rumours play a role in psychological warfare. The impact of dragging the war longer than needed on the rest of the world and on the people of Ukraine will not be known for another few years to come. Rumours prepare the minds of the people for a possible outcome. The strategy is to weaken the people without even fighting or firing a bullet. It's intimidation as used in street wars or classic school bullying. The bully being ROSH who will lead a war according to Ezekiel 38.  

In WW2 the Jews knew what was happening but were comfortable and did not want to uproot themselves to leave Germany. I remember interviewing Mrs. Duverney on this. She too had fled Germany. I asked her why it took them so long to leave and she replied that they got comfortable. Is the people's reaction demonstrative of a people who denied reality? Given that they were impoverished and built up themselves I can understand the refusal to uproot themselves. But that hesitation cost them.

While everyone is distracted in verifying the so-called disinformation, Russia has taken the time to place nuclear strategic bombers in key positions around Europe like Finland. This demonstrates another level of escalation, that of the type of artillery being used as well as the involvement of more nations. Poland has already increased the amount of people drafted to the army in response to the Ukraine invasion. Russia is positioned as a threat.

The heavy military weapons owned by Russia has not yet been used. I dare say the reason for this war is achieved by the rumours of the war more so than the war. I therefore conclude that the war is not about Ukraine but in positioning Russia as a chief or world leader. This will be discussed further in the next blog.

THE INTERCONNECTION OF WARS AND RUMOURS

The Ukraine-Russia situation is filled with rumours. The rumours were before the invasion and still ongoing. It demonstrates the use of rumours in warfare and its impact as a strategy.

Do not let your heart grow faint, and do not be afraid when the rumour is heard in the land Jeremiah 51:46.

This verse not only indicates that rumours will be at a national level but it shows the impact of rumours on people. If rumours were not effective in affecting the mindset of the masses, leaders will not use them as a strategy.

Rumours can be used as a strategy before a war. Before invading Ukraine, Russia engaged in military exercises in Belarus. An onslaught of accusations and rumours followed. It was not long after Ukraine was attacked by Russia. 

The rumours led nation leaders to make statements and pick sides. Some leaders were even accused of war mongering. This allowed Russia the opportunity to see;

1. where alliances were 

2. the basis of the stance taken

3. the attitude or approach that would be taken for the war

4. the amount of time Russia would have to achieve the set goal

Rumours tend to create fear and chaos which affects decision-making. Belarus accused Ukraine of plotting terror attacks in their country.  They then placed 70,000 soldiers and a concentration of military equipment on its border with Ukraine which is a threat to Kiev. 9,000 soldiers are said to be Russian. 

Belarus continued to accuse the government of Kiev of subversion against it, and gathering intelligence in Belarus. Is this a pretext for joining the war? Is it a strategy to split the Ukrainian army? If the Ukraines split their forces between north and south they will not stand a chance. It is rumoured that that is exactly what the Ukraines have done!

The accusation and intimidation is obvious. Belarus has taken its participation to another level. After all the postulating and scheming, in October month, Ukraine was attacked from the Belarusian front. According to Oxford Language online, manoeuvre can mean, ‘to carefully guide or manipulate (someone or something) in order to achieve an end’. In light of this, I would say they are getting warmed up for something bigger. Wouldn't you? Meanwhile, there is a lot of death, destruction, and drama taking place in Ukraine.

Attack on Kiev 17/10/2022

Dirty bomb

Rumours are used as justification. Due to technological advances, rumours take on propaganda proportions. Currently the rumour being spread by Russia is that Ukraine is building dirty bombs. Prior to this, was a rumour that they were planning to engage in chemical warfare. Even the handling of the rumours has gone a step further. 

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Although it was rumoured by sources coming out of Russia that Ukraine was set for chemical warfare, there was no official statement. Russian government officials are now making specific statements about the dirty bombs. They are openly justifying particular strategic actions. It is not a strategy to stop the war, it is a strategy that escalates it. Is it fiction or non-fiction?

Russian strategic forces carrying out training of a 

'massive nuclear stike in response to an enemy nuclear attack', 

supervised by President Putin. (Russian Defense Ministry; Oct 26, 2022)

Rumours can be true. The attack on Kiev (17/10/2022) was surreal and groundbreaking. Residents tried to shoot down the drones. There is a multifaceted significance of the drone attack on Kiev. They were launched from Belarus. Belarus is now officially involved in the war. It proves the rumour during the exercises conducted in Belarus to be true after all.  

Rumour has it that there is much more to this rumour. Yet, another country has become involved. Iran is from the Middle East and for the first time directly involved in a European war. For the first time a nation from the Middle East is involved in war in Europe. The drones were Kamakaze drones but appear to be a rebranding of the Iranian Shahed design. The images used in the tweet by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs were dated from a 2010 presentation of the Shahed drones. 

 

Still there is more to the rumour. There were sanctions on these drones. President Biden had lifted the sanctions. President Putin said he did not buy them and Iran denies selling them. Yet. the drones bear the serial numbers of the Shahed drones manufactured by Iran. More rumours? This peacekeeping mission (sarcasm) is definitely shaping up to be a world war. Is the war becoming more bloody?

 

At this point, China, India, and Serbia have asked citizens to leave Ukraine. The drones were targeting the electricity supplies and have been sent to residential areas. More and more evidence of atrocities being committed by Russia is coming out.

Attack on Kiev 17/10/2022 in video above

I can assume that the reason NATO and other nations have not defended Ukraine is due to the fear of escalation. Actually, President Joe Biden did say this. If another country joins in then there is cause for NATO to take action. But, they have not although Belarus got involved. Also, the Ukraine’s have officially accused Iran of participating in Russia's war crimes.

Ukraine calls on European Union
to impose sanctions
 

Russia has been preparing underground shelters in Moscow while the world is reeling from the shock of the drone attack. Israel has indicated that they now have just cause to get involved on behalf of Ukraine if Iran is supplying weapons to Russia. They are meeting with President Biden to present evidence of the Iranian drones in Ukraine. 

Iran and Israel are, as prophesied, enemies. This would be another level of a world war. The rumours are being used to propel and intensify the war in Ukraine through fear to the Russian advantage. Russia seems to be more skilled in the use of rumours. Russia is using rumours as an offensive attack. Similarly Adolf Hitler's use of it to spread propaganda.

THE ALLIANCE OF EZEKIEL 38 

It is the first time in over 70 years, Europe is facing a world war. The role of the European Union is highly questionable as being relevant in these times. For the prophesy of an attack on Israel to this magnitude and geographical extent to occur, the world bodies have to either agree with it or be silenced. More on this in Part 2 and Part 3.

The New York Times reported that there are Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps instructors operating from a Russian military base in Crimea where most of the suicide drones are stationed. It is claimed that they are there as instructors not to fly them. Given that many Syrian fighters were said to have been paid by the Russians to join the war, this war has the potential to be an Iranian and Russian conflict against Ukraine Israel.

 

A Russian defence ministry expert says on television, 

'Just don't ask too much about these Iranian drones. 

We all know they are Iranian but the authorities don't want to admit it.' 

This war has had surprising outcomes and has been taking months. As the saying goes, God might be smiling on Ukraine after all. A number of nations had pulled out of Kiev from the start as it was the expectation that Ukraine will fold within a couple weeks at best. As the situation continues and it enters another level of intensity, it appears as nuclear war is inevitable and escalation occurs. 

If it does not lead to a world war or a nuclear war then it is further positioning Russia as a super power, therefore a chief as in the prophesy. It is positioning itself to make such an attack on Israel possible even if there was no intent. However in the next blog, part 3 I will show that it is part of a plan. It actually is common sense when you think of it.

WARS AND BIBLICAL PROPHECY PART 1- RUMOURS OF WAR

Iranian UAV as Meraj 51 in Russia

    Today we cannot seem to get away from wars or rumours of war. Old territorial disputes have resurrected and new conflicts have arisen. The ultimate rumour could very well be the threat of nuclear war. Such a war has been dreaded and that day seems to be nearer. Attention has been drawn to one book that has stood up to criticisms and has proven itself many times as a historical record of previous wars. I am sure you have heard of the Bible.

Conspiracy theories, disinformation, false narratives, and alternative truths are now part of everyday life. Have prophesies in the Bible been fulfilled? The answer would be, Yes! A major prophesy would be Jews returning to Israel. Israel went on to become a nation on May 14, 1948. Israel has not been a nation of people since137AD. Don't get me wrong, there were always Jews living there but not as a mass of people since nor as a declared nation as done in more modern times.

In Biblical times the people group made the nation. Wherever they traversed, they were known as Israel but when they conquered the land of the Philistines and Canaanites, it was named after them. Similarly Canadians in Canada. The prophesy of return can be found in Ezekiel 20:33-38, and Isaiah 11:11-12. It is still ongoing as 50% still live outside of Israel.

If a prophesy is a rumour then it turned out to be true many times and in hugely significant ways. 

There are two questions I seek to answer in this first part of the mini series on Wars and Biblical Prophecy: 

1. What does the Bible say about current affairs? 
2. Rumours as prophecy

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT CURRENT AFFAIRS?

Let us start with what the one referred to as the Messiah, had to say in the Book of Matthew; 

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matthew 24:6-8 

Two thousand years of world history are covered in just four sentences. Wars, famines, and earthquakes are expected and not especially noteworthy. However, based on current affairs, these events have become more intense and occur more often than in the past. If the scripture is indicative of intensity and occurrence then it would certainly be a true representation of the global situation today. 

Wars in 2022

The phrase indicates that wars and rumours of war are increasing in intensity. It had some momentum with the postal system spreading faster than in the ancient days, 2000 years ago. In this era of the fourth industrial revolution, rumours; have speed, reach more people, cross borders, and are more impacting than in Biblical times. Linking the words wars and rumours of war seems more meaningful than as a casual phrase. 

Wars and rumours of war are tied together like a set model or pattern. It is different to saying There will be famines and earthquakes. Wars are relevant to rumours. It is expected that one coexists naturally with the other. Even in a cold war rumours play an important role. 

I used to think that rumours came before the war but it did not turn out to be so, having taken a more in-depth look. It is obvious that there are many wars or conflicts in the world today. The premiss regarding the rumours of war is that, rumours have become increasingly strategic in the lead up to and in the midst of conflict/war.

There are examples in the Bible when rumours were used in warfare. In this verse it appears to be an expectation.

Do not let your heart grow faint, and do not be afraid when the rumour is heard in the land; for a rumor will come one year—and then another the next year—of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler. Jeremiah 51:46

As a strategy it must be quite popular as even the God of the Bible, uses it; 

So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah, who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’ ” 2 Kings 19:5-7

The potential of a rumour used as a strategy before a war was proven in the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel was attacked by a number of nations in response to a rumour spread by Russia. Although the United Nations made a statement to counter the allegations made by Russia, the damage was done. Perhaps they were testing out the strategy of using rumours?

War was in the air, leaders strutted on the television screen, the people in the Middle East sniffed for blood, and Israel went on defensive mode. More people died in the short time of this war than during the Vietnam war. 777 Israelis died, equivalent to the Death Population Ratio for the Vietnamese war with America spanning 8 years. 

RUMOURS AS PROPHECY

Can a prophecy be a rumour? To answer the question, I would have to follow up with, Who would be the one to start it? That would be hilarious because the answer would then have to be, The Holy Spirit. He is one of the Trinity. Christians believe the Godhead is made up of three; Father, Son, and The Holy Spirit. Additionally, prophecy is inspired by The Holy Spirit.

The connotation that goes with a rumour is that it is not truthful. That actually marshes up the entire foundational doctrine of Christianity. The other member of the Godhead Jesus, is said to be the way the truth and the life (John 14:6). There are a number of verses about lying e.g. 

But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21:27

One cannot enter the kingdom as a liar. The father of lies is said to be the arch villain himself, the devil. Lying cannot be found with The Holy Spirit who is pure and the epitome of holiness. The inspiration or intelligence behind the prophesy is said to be from the writer of the Bible, who is The Holy Spirit. 

There were prophesies made by a Norwegian woman of 90 years in 1969. All of her prophesies came through with one more pending fulfilment, a nuclear war in Europe. The Ukraine-Russia War seems to be heading in the direction of a nuclear war. NATO has been staying out of the fight because of fear of escalation to a nuclear war. 

The conversation around this situation or conflict is often about nuclear war. How can this prophesy be a rumour given the current situation with Russia and Ukraine? However, I digress as this blog is specifically about the prophecies in the Bible. It is relevant in two way: 

1. the war furthers the alliance spoken of in Ezekiel 38
2. positions Russia as a 'chief prince'
3. causes more chaos in the world
4. adds intensity to wars and rumours of war
5. fits into the wars and rumours of war model 

It is common knowledge that famines, earthquakes and pestilences have become more intense and increase in occurrence. As a prophesy in the Bible, it is very accurate and still part of current global news. The model of wars and rumours of war, spoken of by Jesus, continues today. If rumours of war is a strategy then it has potential to be a prophecy which comes through or is used to win a war without physical violence. In that case it is the perceived truth of those involved. In the next blog I expound on the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

TIME AS A TEACHER

 Time is a cost in business often misinterpreted or forgotten until it appears to run out of resources for projections. It is a liability that can be very expensive as it passes by. Often in business; days, hours, and minutes represent the dreaded timeline or deadline to be met. In any crisis or unstable situation, time is never enough, as it usually works as an opposing force that brings challenges.

A crisis is naturally a threat that is, propelled by time. Even a simple mistake during a catastrophe can be exaggerated or heightened beyond foreseeable outcomes. as with most aspects of life, time affects decision-making. Time brings changes and causes wear and tear. Assessments and decisions need to be made in quick time. Harnessing time can prove very difficult in the best of times and virtually impossible during a crisis such as the one that 2020 ushered into the world.

As the global crisis induced by this pandemic drives companies to virtual spaces, marketing and communication have become the life source of firms. The impact of time within online spaces can be observed in how marketing and communication attempt to harness time in the digital world. The new norm for a 24/7 service utilising AI integration has become a lifeline to capture visitors and convert them to buyers and clients.  It demonstrates how the digital transformation of firms is affecting the pace at which business is conducted.

Has time erased the physical presence of a smile, an atmosphere or an impression? A physical office or location for operations means trust, stability, and professionalism to a customer. It situates the company or the brand in the mind of the customer and even the employee. Translating this into virtual spaces takes innovation, creativity, and marketing as businesses compete for viewership on screens.

Competition in the virtual or digitised realms has its pacing. Eyeballs, interaction, and participation have increasingly been part of the marketing plan. But in crisis, it is not just about competing to be seen or having a website to be found, it is about standing out and remaining visible. Companies of various sizes are found on the internet. The difference is no longer the real estate value of the office or store but the marketing budget.

Time weighs heavily on the decision-makers. For any business owner or marketing strategist, time can determine survival. Many small and medium enterprises had to endure restrictions and, unfortunately closed down within two or three months. In a study conducted in the United Kingdom in 2020, 3500 locations were monitored. Findings indicated an increase of 33% in permanent store closures compared to 2019. Time can increase debts.

The first reality check for many employers and employees on how time would affect them during a crisis was how fast and effectively they would be able to transition to virtual spaces. CEOs, CFOs, and CMOs had to hyper-leap their thoughts about agility and sustainability. The first that responded quickly to the challenge of going virtual was able to buy time in the crisis. It was about survival more than about sustainability, as 2020 proved to be a transitional year.

The rate of the digital transformation of businesses has been at a momentum beyond projections before the pandemic. Adobe researchers claimed that projections for conversion to virtual operations leapt from five years to one year. Many companies were challenged to transition operations within weeks to allow employees to work and communicate from remote places.

The Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services sectors were already functioning mostly within digital spaces. They were at an advantage for several reasons.  Multi-national companies or businesses with a global customer base had experience working within time zones and with a digital environment. With such a head start, priority went into marketing and the issues outside of operations. 

Some companies had more options for resources, space, and time. Tesla transitioned its operations to Texas. Global companies were able to keep some offices open in less-regulated or less-hit countries. But, global production has dropped, and dragging with it, is the Gross Domestic Product with a relational decrease in employment, small enterprises, start-ups, and opportunities to innovate. Time matters to turn around operations, and goods, for sole traders, small businesses, large conglomerates, and national economies.

Time waits on no one. Traditionally, firms would have marketing strategy projections for the year. Projections became irrelevant. With many nations going into intermittent lockdowns and markets constantly changing, the situation has become very volatile and desperate. It is increasingly difficult to project ahead. Projections made previously became less realistic with time. In 2022, markets are slowly recovering. Time has left its mark on the psyche of uncertainty.

Corporate had to develop a revised plan with a short timeframe in response to the changes made due to virus prevention measures, the effect of transitioning work online, and reaching and serving consumers online. To further complicate the situation, corporate heads had to make decisions based on factors that had not been explored or documented prior to this virus.  

While there have been global or countrywide pandemics before, it has not been with the economic environment of 2020. There were new emerging industries, markets, trends, and technologies. A fair question would be, Would the new markets cave in under the strain? Since the main driver of the new markets is the internet, the more appropriate question turns out to be Would the traditional industries survive? A clear example would be the e-learning industry. In 2022, it is made obvious that time brings new dynamics. 

Time is a constraint. There was little time to test markets as customary when in a crisis. Therefore, there were unforeseen dynamics affecting enterprises. With dwindling revenues, a wrong decision can make or break a firm. Even the larger firms had to make drastic decisions despite having more resources, market share, opportunities, and time to make decisions.

Brands were unable to wait for the retailers to transition or recover losses. Brands could not wait for different countries to rebuild and prevent the virus in whatever methods they decided to follow. Brands embarked on forming relationships reaching out to consumers directly e.g. Heinz started 'Heinz to Home' while Pepsi launched, 'Pantry Shop'. These companies decided to implement measures and tests as they went along.

Digitisation is infinite while trends are not. Many companies try out new strategies and explore options, resulting in a growing number of trends. Marketers monitor trends. Many business owners are eager to try the latest trend hoping to get in before the competition. But trends can prove the importance of time. For a trend to develop, it has to do so over a period because trends can fade away. 

A trend should be adopted, after evaluating over time. Simply put, a trend can be a strategy or, it can be a direction. Following the wrong trend can cost your brand; time (the liability), resources, and customers. Trends can be adapted to suit your business model. With time, a trend can convert to a development that can add value to your business.

Since time waits on no one and time is short in supply, business owners have to follow the trend that has real potential for the company. But if you can afford it wait until the trend develops into a definite option. Otherwise, marketers have to be seers, or at least quick enough to understand shifts in trends. The usual bane of many CMOs, except this time it is at warp speed. 

Virtual companies seem to be the future as companies continue to transition digitally. As time goes by the pace of business is quicker. The virus and the ensuing global crisis have accelerated this in several areas and at different levels. As restrictions continue into 2022 in some countries, many business leaders have to decide on permanently transitioning to virtual spaces. Trends coming out of marketing and communication, demonstrate how time is having a definite say on the future of operations of businesses.