NATO’s Opposition to Russia

At the eastern European summit in Minsk, Belarus this week, Russian President Putin and Ukraine President Poroshenko traded handshakes and words, but no progress was made on a cease-fire in the Ukraine (EU Observer, August 27, 2014). And with increasing allegations that Russia is illegally crossing into the Ukraine, NATO also drafted a new plan stating that the “alliance is planning to set up permanent new bases in eastern Europe” (ibid.). The NATO chief stated “The point is that any potential aggressor should know that if they were to even think of an attack against a Nato ally they will meet not only soldiers from that specific country but they will meet Nato troops” (ibid.). 

As society ages and “theoretically” should become more civilized, it is sobering to see tensions heightening and threats abounding all around the globe. Yet, this is what the Bible prophesies. “Rumors of wars” and ethnic groups fighting ethnic groups are clear signs of the impending “end of the age” (Matthew 24:6-7). As prophecy marches on, we should expect to see more, not fewer confrontations and threats of war. This reality is sobering, yet is also informative. Bible students CAN know what to expect as time goes on, thanks to the Scripture. God promised that He “does nothing without first revealing it to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Armed with this knowledge, God’s called out ones can have peace, even in the difficult times ahead.

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