When Communism collapsed in the old Soviet Union thirty years ago, many in the West naively assumed Russia was no longer a threat to world peace. For three decades America and its NATO partners have had to carry on a dangerous political “dance” with Russia’s political leaders. In the current climate of “political correctness”, many foolishly have advocated peace through compromise, negotiation and economic co-operation. They have assumed that if we are nice to other nations, they will reciprocate nicely as well.

All of this tactic is based upon an unrealistic view of human nature. Unregenerate people are not naturally “nice” people. The Bible reminds us that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). As a result, “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mask their ways; and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:15-18).

The cold, icy stare of Vladimir Putin reveals his cold heart, which is evidence of his evil intents. When the Soviet Union collapsed, even many Bible teachers assumed they had been wrong about identifying Russia and the ancient people of Magog in Ezekiel 38:1. Perhaps Ezekiel had some other nation in mind they suggested. In the meantime, serious students of prophecy warned that while the Soviet Union had disappeared, the Russian Bear was still on the prowl and would eventually re-emerge as a major threat to world peace.

Many of us who have been to Russia can testify to their incredible history of survival, the strength of their people and their amazing cultural heritage. But Russia has suffered under the iron grop of czars, oligarchs, and dictators for centuries. Mistreatment, mismanagement and misdirection have often plagued the Russian people because of their leaders.

While we in the West are sickened and saddened by Russia’s harsh treatment of neighboring Ukraine, we need to pray for God’s divine intervention for the sake of true believers in both countries who are caught in the middle of this current crisis. War is an ugly thing because it reveals the ugliness of human depravity at its worst.

No matter how the current conflict ends, this will not be the end. Greed, corruption and hatred are the results of unregenerate and unredeemed hearts. The Spirit of God inspired the prophets to look down the tunnel of time into the distant future and warn His people that Satan is always prowling about seeking who he may devour. And he uses leaders and nations to fulfil his evil desires. No wonder he is called, Apollyon, the Destroyer (Revelation 9:11).

Dr. Ed Hindson