Georgia on my Mind

 

 

 Views of the worlD 

 World events interpreted in a different light! 

Georgia on my Mind...

The heading above is the title of a well known song written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell. Apparently Gorrell was in love with Carmichael’s sister Georgia who was the inspiration behind the song. But don’t worry I’m not going to write about the history of a song and all the famous artists who have sung it over the years.  No, I’ve got a different Georgia on my mind and there is no romance involved!

 Unless you have been on a different planet recently you will have heard about the Russian invasion of Georgia. The popular news media has informed us that this invasion is all about Russia wanting to protect its citizens living in the former Soviet republic, but this is only half the story and closer attention to details betrays a much more significant agenda. This small country occupies an area of crucial strategic importance at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, it is about the same size as Scotland and has a similar sized population.  Since independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991 Georgia has increasingly been courted by the West and particularly since since the “Rose Revolution” of 2003 she has looked westwards for allies.

The Russian Bear Flexes its Muscles!

Over recent years Western nations have sought to reduce their dependency on Russia and the Middle East for oil and gas.  A crucial part of this strategy has been sponsoring the construction an oil pipeline that runs through Georgia from Azerbaijan to Turkey from where the oil is transported by sea to the West.  Needless to say the Russians are unhappy at these attempts to limit their control over energy supplies. The Russian stranglehold on energy supplies to Europe affords them enormous influence over the nations they supply. A recent article on The Times Online stated that:

 “Georgia ...... is a key transit point for oil from the Caspian and central Asia destined for Europe and the US.  Crucially it is the only practical route.... that avoids both Russia and Iran” (Times Online August 8, 2008)

In addition to this Georgia is being encouraged to join NATO, in part to facilitate the placement and training of modern forces and in part to  protect the vital artery that runs through her territory.  The prospect of US or British military forces and or missiles in Russia’s backyard has  been the proverbial straw.  With all this in mind Russia has been looking to re-assert her influence on this vital region whilst at the same discouraging other former Soviet states such as Ukraine to go down the same route.

Why should you be bothered?

There is another important fact to note about Georgia, its territory occupies the route that the Russian army would take south to obtain control of the worlds other energy hotspot - the Middle East. 

The prophecy of Ezekiel was written some 2,500 years ago and clearly foretells just such an invasion.

“Now the word of the LORD came to me saying “..set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal........ in the latter years (all your troops) will come into the land... the mountains of Israel”” (Ezekiel 38:1-9)

All of the ancient nations mentioned in this prophecy refer to regions to the north and west of Israel, and some of the names still resemble their modern equivalents.  Tubal & Tubalsk (an area in southern modern day Russia); Meshech & Moscow; Rosh & Russia.  There is still some debate about some of the other names, a look at ancient maps suggest they may refer to some of the countries to the west of modern day Russia. 

The Bible teaches that this invasion of Israel by a Russian led confederation will happen just before Jesus establishes his Kingdom, beginning at Jerusalem. This being the case, the recent sabre rattling in the caucuses from the increasingly authoritarian Russian state is no surprise to students of the Bible - we should sit up and take notice.  God is at work in the world and the fulfillment of this prophecy may be very close.

The Parable of the Fig Tree

For nearly 2000 years this prophecy from the book of Ezekiel seemed irrelevant for the simple reason that Israel as a country didn’t exist!  Israel has only existed as a sovereign state for the last 60 years, which means for the first time in 2000 years we are living in the time described as the “latter days” when this prophecy will be fulfilled.

In the Bible the fig tree is widely used as a symbol of the Jewish nation and Jesus himself uses it in his teachings.  He recognised that there would be a passage of time when Israel would not exist as a nation in their historic homeland.  He knew this dissolution of Israel for a period of 2000 years was part of God’s purpose with them.  But he also knew that God would bring about the circumstances that would lead to the Jews being regathered and Israel being established as a nation again.   He spoke these words:

“Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.  When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.  So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. (Luke 24:29)

So, when you see Israel putting forth leaves and budding again as a nation then take note - the Kingdom of God is near! The regathering of Israel is the most significant sign in our times that God is at work and will fulfill his promise to fill the earth with his glory under the reign of his son Jesus. 

 Before we get to that time of peace, justice and blessing under the rule of Jesus there will be:

 “on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, ...men’s hearts  failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth.” (Luke 24:26) 

What we see happening in Georgia and indeed with the worlds financial markets are perhaps just the beginning of these troubles spoken of.  When these things escalate and despair fills the hearts of the inhabitants of the world because there seems to be no solution, then:

“Then they will see the Son of Man (Jesus) coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”(Luke 24:27)

There is a wonderful message of hope though, for those who have read God’s Word and understood its message centred around Jesus.  Those people who have decided to try and live their lives on God’s terms rather than their own terms need not fear when these terrible things take place.  Jesus has a message especially for them:

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 24:28)

As with a woman in childbirth so with God’s new world of peace and justice, there will be terrible labour pains. But like the mother giving birth, those who have opened their eyes and ears to God’s message know that there is time of great joy and happiness just around the corner. They look forward to the “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells”(2 Peter 3:12).

In the Bible passage quoted above Peter goes on to ask his readers a question which is equally, perhaps more urgently, relevant to us living in these times on the brink of God’s Kingdom.  He asks:

“.. the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.... Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God”  (2 Peter 3:10-12)