When discussing the Islamization of the West, France is usually cited as being the worst-off of the Western democracies. It has an estimated Muslim population of 10%, perhaps as high as 15%, and the demographics of the situation — a very low birthrate among the native French, and a baby boom among the Muslim immigrants — do not bode well for the future of France.
If we expand the definition of “the West” a bit, it becomes necessary to add India and Russia to the list of Most Islamized Western Nations. India has the largest, oldest, and most intractable “Islam problem” of any Western democracy. The Muslim minority in India is over 150 million (13+% of the population) and is growing relative to the Hindu population. India lives under the constant threat of terror attack. Its citizens experience deadly bombings and other forms of violent jihad with mind-numbing regularity.
Russia is a special case. Its Muslim population is estimated at 10% to 12%, and its demographic situation is worse than that of France, so that Russian Islam is expected to grow rapidly. If present trends continue, Muslims will comprise a majority of the Russian military within a couple of decades (source: www.bigpeace.com)
Why is this significant? Because during the middle of the Tribulation Period, Russia and her allies will invade Israel from the North and come up against Israel to plunder and take over her (Ezek. 38). This coalition will not succeed, but it will become a major turning point for the Antichrist. He seemingly comes to Israel’s rescue with his armies. It appears he saves her from what looks to be a certain invasion. This is when he turns to Israel and the world and announces himself to be God and sits himself in the newly rebuild temple (2 Thess. 2:4).
As you know, Russia has changed over the years, especially when Reagan was in office. They went from extreme communism to a more moderate one. However, Russia has no desire to invade Israel all by itself. It will have to be a great push and pressure from others to do so. This is why in Ezekiel 38:4 God states, “I will turn you about, and put hooks in your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army. . .” And then in verses 5-6, her alliances are named.
Not only is Russia growing a huge population of Muslims, but her alliances with other surrounding nations will also be Muslim. That my friend is the hook and the impetus to go and invade Israel.
Since Russia is growing a Muslim population and since one of the great mosques in the world is right there in Jerusalem, Muslims would love to take over Israel completely and with Russia’s help and backing, they have their motive for a surprise invasion.
But remember, all this occurs during the middle of the Tribulation Period. Israel is said to be at the time of the invasion a “land of unwalled villages” (Ezek. 38:11), which means she has no defense. The AntiChrist had made a seven year peace treaty with her 42 months earlier. So she is resting securely, believing that her political alliance with the AntiChrist will be enough to ensure protection. BUT, “why they are saying, ‘peace and safety!’ then destruction comes upon them suddenly like birth pangs” (1 Thess. 5:3).
A recent column by Jeffrey Kuhner in The Washington Times reported the following:
“The Vatican estimates that from Egypt to Iran there are just 17 million Christians left.” Why? Persecution by Muslims.
“Nearly two-thirds of the 500,000 Christians in Baghdad have fled or been killed.” Why? Persecution by Muslims.
Other reports in recent weeks report increased Islamic terror activity in Sweden. Thousands of Hindus have fled Pakistan’s Sind province due to increased persecution by Muslims.
While the church bombing in Egypt received some worldwide press, none of these developments I refer to above have received much worldwide attention.
Meanwhile, after Pakistani’s Punjab governor Salman Taseer was assassinated because he opposed Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy laws, over 500 Muslim clerics defended the actions of the murderer. What’s more, when Pope Benedict XVI urged Pakistan to repeal these laws, the leader of the nation’s most powerful Islamic party declared “The Pope’s statement is an insult to Muslims across the world.”
Crime perpetrated by Muslims against non-Muslims throughout Europe is accelerating. Terrorist threats are on the rise. Counterterrorism forces in Great Britain are tracking some 30,000 potential Islamic terrorist suspects in that country alone. Jews are fleeing Europe in response to increased persecution.
All of this is occurring against the backdrop of decades of appeasement and accommodation extended by European governments to militant Muslims.
Lebanon’s government was recently toppled by Hezbollah. Now, for all practical purposes, Hezbollah is in control of Lebanon.
Throughout history Islamic jihad has ebbed and flowed – but it has never completely ended. Today we are witnessing an emboldened and empowered worldwide jihad the likes of which has not been seen since before the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
In the face of this reality Rep. Bennie Thompson criticizes Rep. Peter King’s plan for hearings on Muslim radicalization, foolishly arguing that Muslim radicalization shouldn’t be singled out when we have mass shootings like the one recently in Tucson.
Organizations like CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, insist that terror and violence around the world, perpetrated by Muslims, has nothing to do with any doctrines of Islam. This in spite of the fact that since 9/11 over 17,000 incidents of Islamic terror have been documented worldwide. CAIR’s contentions would be laughable if this weren’t so tragic.
Over the past two years we saw more homegrown terrorists arrested than in the previous eight years since 9/11. Yet the Obama administration can’t even bring itself to use terms like “jihad” and “radical Islam” in its assessment of this worldwide threat.
We are seeing this coalition of nations forming now and we are also witnessing the change in Russia’s population to a more predominant Muslim growth. This means increase persecution and anger against Christians, Jews and non-Muslims. The stage is being set. Soon, like a thief in the night, Jesus comes for His Church. Will you be ready?
