Given the considerably cooled (and cooling) state of relationship between Russia and the United States, President Putin's recent public attack on U. S. foreign policy, combined with his government's threat to specifically target America's "Missile Shield" installations in certain eastern European states should present plans continue, are giving rise in some quarters to fears of a possible renewing of the past "Cold War."
As we have noted before, the world is progressively moving in a direction of confusion and uncertainty - regarding which, we believe, present trend and circumstance may well indicate an approaching climax. Viewed from a biblically defined perspective as opposed to viewpoints determined more by predetermined assumption, Scripture would have considerable to say here.
In his prophetic Olivet Discourse, for example, Jesus addressed the Twelve personally as representing the believing community. Thus, "When you shall see all these things [i.e., as detailed in his Discourse] know that he [Christ] is near" (Matt. 24:29-32). Interestingly, at no point did our Lord make mention of the "easy escapism" attendant much present teaching. To the contrary, "He that shall endure to the end shall be delivered" (Matt. 24:13).
In a world of rapid, and in many ways, ominous change, we shall increasingly need to be perceptive, objective and, in terms of response, divine guided. It will not be an easy time.
Burl Ratzsch
