Mikhail Gorbachev - Lessions from Russia 1

Lessons from Russia…#1

I recently flew Mikhail Gorbachev from DFW to FRA. That sparked a lot of discussion among our crew and led me to do some reading on Wikipedia about his history. I remembered of course that he was one of the world’s most powerful leaders, the President of Russia and leader of the USSR.

As I read I discovered a few other things, and felt the Lord gave me some insight into his life and times.

(1) The value of relationships and trust. Gorbachev had a close relationship with Ronald Regan. While leading their respective superpower nations, they met in Iceland to discuss nuclear disarmament. They looked at each other and with their signatures, much to the dismay of their advisers, made more drastic cuts in the number of nuclear weapons in the world than anticipated.

(2) I believe the Lord used Gorbachev to expose the moral and financial bankruptcy of the USSR and peacefully lead the violent and powerful Soviet Union into a more normal relationship with the family of nations. This certainly wasn’t his intention, but the way it turned out.

Our powerful Lord uses leaders to do his biding among the nations. (Proverbs 21:1)

What will it take to expose your personal spiritual bankruptcy and lead you into a healthy, non destructive walk with your Creator? Warfare or peace in your present situation; and eternal consequences are weighing in the balance.

Revelation 3 describes the Laodicean church 2000 years ago, and the western church in our day. Does it describe you or me? -=db=-

Rev. 3: 17-22 “You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me. To those who are victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."