The Shortest Distance Between Two Points Is A Straight Line
Jesus described certain events which He identified as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matt. 24:8 KJV), or, according to the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) “the beginning of birth pains”. The imagery painted by the words of Jesus is very clear. Just as “birth pains (travail)” begin and increase in frequency and intensity leading to the event of delivery, or birth, so also will the events identified as “the beginning of sorrows” lead to their intended goal, or time. Instead of simply telling exactly how long this time of “sorrows” will continue, Jesus told the first church to “watch” so as to avoid drawing the wrong conclusion concerning the possible fulfillment, completion, or “end” (24:6) of the events and the time they identify. One such event which Jesus described as a partial identification of “the beginning of sorrows” is “ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars; see that ye be not troubled: …” (Matt. 24:6 KJV).
Here is a link to a current story from the Jerusalem Post website dated May 12, 2021: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/erdogan-putin-discuss-israel-clashes-in-call-turkish-presidency-667934
Within the context of this article is the following statement concerning the communication between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russia’s Vladimir Putin:
“Erdogan told Putin the international community needed to “teach a deterrent lesson” to Israel, adding that Ankara was working to mobilize this reaction, according to a statement from his office.”
Obviously there is much to consider about a possible alliance between Turkey and Russia with respect to the prophecy recorded by Ezekiel in Ezekiel 38.
As the tensions between Israel and Gaza, particularly Hamas and the PIJ (Palestinian Islamic Jihad), continue and, perhaps, escalate, or increase in frequency and intensity, let us be diligent to “watch” in order to see and understand what is happening. Additionally, as we watch with increasing interest the events unfolding in, and around, Israel let us be acutely aware of the other signs that also indentify “the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8 HCSB).
Matthew 24:7 (KJV)
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Luke 21:10-11 (KJV)
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.